The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents about a potential measles exposure from a non-NJ resident who attended the Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on May 15, 2025. It lists the potential exposure times on May 15, 7:30 p.m. through May 16, 1 a.m.
The NJDOH stated, “Individuals — especially parents, guardians, health-care providers and caregivers — are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots.
“Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet.”
If infected, people could develop symptoms as late as June 6, 2025. As of May 20, no additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified.
“Anyone who suspects an exposure or illness is urged to call a health-care provider before going to any medical office or emergency department,” the NJDOH noted. “Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.”
The measles virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.
The NJDOH encourages all residents to stay up to date on routine vaccinations, including MMR shots. “It is administered in two doses, is safe and the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella,” the department stated. “The vaccine is also effective at preventing complications caused by these highly contagious diseases.”
More information can be found on the following NJDOH page: https://www.nj.gov/health/news/2025/approved/20250520a.shtml.
