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By Jordan King
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Health officials in New Jersey have issued a measles exposure warning after an individual infected with the virus attended a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on May 15, potentially exposing tens of thousands of concertgoers.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) said in a statement that 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
Why It Matters
Measles, which is highly contagious and spreads through the air, can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
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Symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. The infection can lead to serious health complications, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals.
The warning follows a concerning rise in measles cases nationally, with a significant outbreak in Texas that has alarmed public health officials.
New Jersey authorities say they are acting out of an abundance of caution, advising potentially exposed individuals to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
What To Know
The infected person was from out of state, but the NJDOH said in its warning that "anyone who visited the following location only during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles."
It stressed that anyone who suspects exposure or illness should call a healthcare provider before going to any medical office or emergency department.
"Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection," it added. "Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead."
It went on to urge parents, guardians, health care providers and caregivers 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."
At the time of the NJDOH's statement, May 20, no associated cases had been reported.
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A total of 1,024 confirmed measles cases have been reported across the country, as of May 15, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There have been 15 outbreaks reported this so far this year. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported in 2024.
States affected include Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
What People Are Saying
The NJDOH said: "The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.
"Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past."
What Happens Next
The NJDOH has warned that infected people could develop symptoms as late as June 6.
Health officials are also coordinating with local healthcare providers and testing sites to facilitate early detection and response.
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