NJ health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Bergen County) — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is warning the public about a possible measles exposure at a Shakira concert held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, after a non–New Jersey resident attended the event while infectious.

Health officials are urging individuals — particularly parents, guardians, caregivers, and health care providers — to remain vigilant for symptoms of measles and to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications.

The potential exposure occurred at MetLife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, N.J., during the following window:

• Date & Time: From 7:30 p.m. on May 15, 2025, to 1:00 a.m. on May 16, 2025.

Individuals who were at the stadium during that time and are not fully vaccinated or have never had measles may be at risk. Symptoms can appear as late as June 6, 2025.

Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Serious complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and in pregnant individuals, miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

NJDOH advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms not to visit a medical facility without calling ahead. This allows health care professionals to make special arrangements to evaluate individuals while minimizing potential exposure to others.

As of May 20, no additional associated cases have been reported in New Jersey.

The measles virus spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing and can linger in a space for up to two hours. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the best protection and is administered in two doses. It is highly effective at preventing illness and complications.

Health officials continue to urge all residents to stay current on their routine vaccinations. Those traveling internationally are especially advised to be fully vaccinated beforehand. Infants aged 6 to 11 months should receive one dose prior to travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.

For more information, visit NJDOH’s official website.