Celebrities
Measles Scare at Shakira Concert: NJ Health Officials War
Measles Scare at Shakira Concert: Health Officials Warn of Potential Exposure, Fans Voice Concern.
East Rutherford, NJ - Health officials in New Jersey have issued a warning following a recent Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium, alerting attendees and staff to a potential exposure to measles, a highly contagious and potentially dangerous airborne virus. The news has triggered concern among fans who attended the May 15th event, with many taking to social media to express their anxieties.
"Great news: go to concert, get sick," one fan sarcastically commented on Reddit, reflecting the frustration and worry circulating online. Another fan tweeted, "As if I did not have enough things to worry about already," while a third, seemingly angered by the situation, added, "Thanks a lot peeps! Now we can't even go to concerts, what's next?"
According to a press release from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), an individual who attended the 48-year-old Colombian superstar's concert at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Wednesday, May 15th, may have exposed a significant number of staff and attendees to the measles virus.
Measles, known for its airborne transmission, is considered one of the most contagious diseases globally, although it is effectively preventable through vaccination. The NJDOH has indicated that anyone present at the stadium from 7:30 p.m. on May 15th until 1:00 a.m. the following day could have been exposed to the virus.
This potential exposure comes at a time when several states in the South and Southwest have been grappling with measles outbreaks in recent months. A particularly severe outbreak in communities with low vaccination rates in West Texas tragically resulted in the deaths of two children. Additionally, an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico who passed away was also confirmed to have been infected with measles.
Adding to the concern for those who attended Shakira's May 15th performance, the health department has not yet released specific details regarding where the infected individual was seated or congregated during the concert. This lack of information means that even attendees who were not in close proximity to the infected person may still be at risk of contracting the illness due to the virus's remarkable transmissibility.
Latest News
As of now, the NJDOH has stated that no confirmed cases of measles have been reported in connection with the concert. However, they caution that due to measles' incubation period, individuals who may have been infected could feel entirely healthy until as late as June 6th before the characteristic symptoms of the illness begin to manifest.
According to reports from USA Today, MetLife Stadium boasts a substantial capacity, accommodating up to 50,000 attendees for concerts, and even more for football and soccer games, reaching up to 82,500.
A key factor contributing to measles' high contagiousness is the virus's ability to remain infectious for up to two hours in microscopic respiratory droplets suspended in the air. These droplets are expelled through common actions such as sneezing and coughing, but even talking and breathing can release infectious particles.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) illustrates the virus's potency: in a scenario involving one infected individual, a staggering 90 percent of unvaccinated people in close contact with that person will contract the disease.
The NJDOH noted that the individual who attended the Shakira concert and potentially spread the virus was from out of town. However, the department did not clarify whether this person had been previously vaccinated against measles. The standard vaccination schedule typically involves a first dose administered to children between 9 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 15 months and 6 years.
The NJDOH is strongly urging anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles at the Shakira concert to proactively contact their healthcare providers. They emphasize the importance of calling in advance so that healthcare facilities can establish a dedicated treatment area, thereby minimizing the risk of potential infection to other patients.
Earlier this month, the CDC confirmed a concerning trend, reporting 1,024 measles cases across 30 states so far in 2025. The agency highlighted that a significant 96 percent of these reported cases occurred in individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
The potential exposure at the Shakira concert marks the second reported measles incident in New Jersey within the past week. Previously, a passenger at Newark Liberty International Airport tested positive for the virus after spending several hours in Terminal B, according to the health department. Earlier in the year, the state reported three measles cases, all originating from the same household in Bergen County.
Nationwide, of the individuals infected with measles this year, 128 have required hospitalization, with 69 of those being young children under the age of five, underscoring the severity of the illness, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Amidst these ongoing outbreaks, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently faced criticism for downplaying the importance of vaccination in preventing measles while promoting unproven treatments. However, he later revised his stance, acknowledging that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease. Kennedy has a long history of vaccine skepticism, falsely claiming links between vaccines and autism, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.
For fans who may have missed the potential measles exposure at Shakira's May 15th concert, her show on May 16th offered a different kind of surprise: a special guest appearance by Pitbull, who opened the show with a set of his own hits, providing a different kind of buzz for attendees.
As health officials continue to monitor the situation and urge potentially exposed individuals to take precautions, the incident at Shakira's concert serves as a stark reminder of the continued importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles, especially in large public gatherings.
Last News
Ana de Armas' Sweet Nod to Tom Cruise Amid Romance
Is Nicola Peltz Hollywood's Mystery 'Billionaire Mean Girl'?
Rihanna's Racy Maternity Style Shines in Cannes with Rocky
Jessica Kistermann Defies Cannes 'Decency' Ban
Jennifer Lopez looks ageless in a towel in no-makeup video
Amanda Holden spanks her derriere and thanks Spanx
Amanda Holden shows off more than bargained as she dances around in her outfit of the day
Meet Harley Cameron, the stunning model who went from a BKFC ring girl to become a pro wrestler and found love
GreenGirlBella, Rocks Emirates Stadium in Painted Home Kit
Amanda Holden calls herself a 'good girl' in white dress with 'cheeky' split
Mum slammed by parents after flashing thong in school run outfit
Lottie Moss makes jaws dropp as she shows off her flawless body
Amanda Holden wears nothing beneath plunging white dress
Comments
Written news comments are in no way https://www.showbizglow.com it does not reflect the opinions and thoughts of. Comments are binding on the person who wrote them.