Shakira Concertgoers Warned of Possible Measles Exposure

Health officials in New Jersey have issued a warning to anyone who attended the Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on May 15 after an individual was found to have been infected with the measles potentially exposing tens of thousands of concertgoers.

On Tuesday, the New Jersey Department of Health issued a statement warning anyone who was at the stadium between 7:30 p.m. on May 15 and 1:00 a.m. on May 16 may have been exposed to measles.

"The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents about potential exposures associated with a newly identified case of measles in a non-NJ resident who attended a concert in NJ while infectious. Individuals – especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers – are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots," the New Jersey Department of Health said in a statement.

"Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. Measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby."

The NJDOH warns that the highly contagious virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, adding that it can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past are at most risk, the NJDOH warns, adding that the best way to protect yourself from measles, mumps, and rubella is by taking the MMR vaccine.