NJ health officials are urging concertgoers to monitor for symptoms of measles after a person with the virus attended a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium on May 15.
The individual was infectious during the event, which drew tens of thousands to the East Rutherford venue. Health officials say those present between 7:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. may have been exposed.
No related measles cases have been reported in the state as of May 20, but symptoms could appear as late as June 6.
The concert was part of Shakira’s tour, and the event marked one of two scheduled performances at the stadium that week.
Officials are advising anyone who develops symptoms—such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or rash—to contact their doctor before visiting a clinic or emergency room to prevent further spread.
Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. The virus is particularly dangerous for unvaccinated individuals, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
The incident comes amid a growing national outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 1,000 measles cases across at least 30 states in 2025—surpassing all of last year’s reported cases.
Most of the infections have occurred in unvaccinated individuals. According to the CDC, nearly all outbreak-associated cases are linked to clusters of under-immunized populations.
The New Jersey Department of Health is urging residents to ensure they are up to date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations, which offer strong protection against the virus.
The United States declared measles eliminated in 2000. Public health experts warn that declining vaccination rates could reverse that progress.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.