What started as an unforgettable evening of dancing and celebration for thousands of Shakira fans in New Jersey has now taken an unexpected turn.
Health officials are sounding the alarm after learning that a person infected with measles attended the singer’s recent concert — potentially putting thousands at risk.
Shakira’s MetLife Show Triggers Measles Alert
The warning was issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, which said anyone who was at Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour stop at MetLife Stadium on the night of May 16, into the early hours of May 17, could have been exposed to the virus.
The concert drew a massive crowd to the stadium — which can hold more than 82,000 people — for two high-energy, two-hour performances.
And now, attendees are being urged to monitor their health for any signs of illness, with symptoms potentially showing up as late as June 6.
One Infected Individual May Have Exposed Thousands
According to the health department, the measles case involves a non-New Jersey resident who attended the concert while still contagious.
It’s still unclear if the individual had been vaccinated or where exactly they were seated during the event.
Though the state hasn’t released details about the person’s travel to the venue, it’s worth noting that the New Jersey Transit was on strike during the concert.
Many concertgoers got to MetLife via Coach USA buses running from New York City’s Port Authority.
Officials Urge the Public to Watch for Symptoms
In a public statement, health officials called on people — especially parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers — to stay vigilant for signs of measles.
That includes flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, runny nose, and eventually a distinctive rash that usually starts at the hairline and spreads across the body.
As of now, no secondary cases linked to the concert have been confirmed, but the potential exposure window and the size of the crowd have prompted serious concern.
Measles Is Incredibly Contagious — Especially for the Unvaccinated
Measles isn’t just any illness — it’s considered one of the most contagious viruses in the world.
Nine out of ten unvaccinated people who are exposed will catch it, making public exposure events like this particularly alarming.
The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing, and its droplets can linger in the air for up to two hours — meaning it doesn’t take much for others to get infected.
For young children especially, measles can be life-threatening.
The CDC warns that one in 20 unvaccinated children will develop pneumonia, and one in 1,000 may suffer brain swelling (encephalitis), which can lead to long-term complications or even death.
Not the First Measles Scare in New Jersey This Month
This isn’t an isolated incident. Just days before the Shakira concert, New Jersey officials had already issued another measles alert.
That one involved Newark Liberty International Airport, where an infected individual traveled through Terminal B on Monday, May 13, potentially exposing hundreds more.
Health officials confirmed the two patients behind these alerts are not connected, but the timing has raised concerns about a wider measles spread in the region.
Shakira’s Tour Continues Across the U.S.
Despite the health scare, Shakira’s tour continues. After performing in Charlotte, North Carolina, and New Jersey, the Colombian superstar is scheduled to hit 14 more U.S. cities — including Detroit, Boston, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
There’s no word yet on whether future tour dates will be affected by this health alert, but fans attending upcoming shows are advised to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date.