A person infected with measles attended Shakira's sold-out concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on May 15, 2025, potentially exposing over 82,000 attendees to the highly contagious virus.

The New Jersey Department of Health issued a warning on May 20, stating that the individual, who traveled from out-of-state, was infectious during the concert. Anyone who attended the event between 7:30 pm and 1 am may have been exposed to the virus, which can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Measles Outbreak in 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that there have been 1,024 confirmed cases of measles across 14 outbreaks this year, with 96% of those infected being unvaccinated or having an unknown vaccine status.

Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Three people have died from measles in the U.S. so far this year.

The CDC emphasizes that two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, are the most effective way to prevent measles. The first dose is administered between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years.

Adults who are unsure if they were vaccinated or born before 1957 may not have immunity to measles.

Symptoms and Risks

Measles symptoms can include high fever, cough, red, runny eyes and nose. One in five people infected with measles will be hospitalized.

The CDC warns that measles is not just a little rash, but a potentially life-threatening illness, especially for babies and young children.

Although no new cases have been connected to the concert, symptoms could develop as late as June 6.

For more information on measles and the importance of vaccination, read here.

Image credit: Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty

Stock image of a child with a rash from measles.

Stock image of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

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