Measles scare after Shakira’s MetLife live performance: Health officials flag possible publicity, issue alert

FILE – Shakira performs at MetLife Stadium on Friday, May 16, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

What was presupposed to be an unforgettable night time of dancing and lady energy at Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” tour cease in New Jersey has now change into a public well being headache. Over 55,000 followers packed into MetLife Stadium on May 15, and now there’s a significant measles alert after one out-of-state concertgoer later identified with the virus was within the crowd.Measles. The old-school childhood sickness we thought was lengthy gone is again, and this time, it would’ve crashed the Shakira present.The New Jersey Department of Health is now warning everybody who was on the live performance between 7:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. to maintain a watch out for signs till June 6, USA Today reported. What do you have to look ahead to? Think excessive fever, cough, runny nostril, watery pink eyes, and that telltale blotchy pink rash that often pops up just a few days after the fever begins.And right here’s the kicker: measles spreads like loopy. One contaminated individual can cough or sneeze, and people droplets can hand around in the air for as much as two hours. You don’t even want to the touch something. Just being in the identical room afterward is sufficient to catch it in case you’re not vaccinated.No joke: in case you’re unvaccinated, there’s a couple of 90% probability you’ll catch it in case you’re uncovered. That’s why public well being officials are asking individuals who went to the live performance and aren’t certain about their vaccination standing to verify in with their physician ASAP. And in case you really feel sick? Call forward earlier than strolling right into a clinic or ER—measles can unfold quick in ready rooms, too.This isn’t an remoted factor, both. Measles is making a reasonably severe comeback within the U.S. As of May 2025, over 1,000 instances have been reported in 31 states—the very best quantity in almost 25 years. And most of these instances? You guessed it: individuals who weren’t vaccinated.So why the massive fuss over what some nonetheless assume is only a “kid rash”? Because measles isn’t innocent. Sure, lots of people recuperate high quality, however it may well additionally result in pneumonia, mind swelling, deafness, and in some instances, demise—particularly in infants, pregnant ladies, and folk with weakened immune methods.The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) has been round for many years and is 97% efficient after two doses. It’s one of many most secure and only vaccines on the market. But with extra individuals skipping or delaying vaccines, these sorts of outbreaks are creeping again in.Bottom line? If you had been at that Shakira present—or simply spend time in massive crowds—it’s a wise transfer to double-check your vax standing. A few pictures now might prevent from a extremely tough (and really contagious) experience later.

Measles preventive suggestions

Measles may sound like one thing out of your grandma’s time, however it’s making an enormous, undesirable comeback—and it is not only a childhood rash you possibly can ignore. The excellent news? It’s completely preventable. You simply have to be a little bit good and proactive.First issues first: Get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is your greatest protection. It’s tremendous efficient—about 97% after each doses. If you’re not sure whether or not you’ve had it, verify along with your physician or get a booster. There’s no hurt in double-checking.Traveling quickly? Especially abroad or to areas with outbreaks? Make certain you’re totally vaccinated at the very least two weeks earlier than you go. Measles loves airports and live shows—principally wherever with massive crowds and recycled air.Avoid shut contact with individuals displaying signs like excessive fever, pink eyes, and that signature rash. It may seem to be only a flu, however higher secure than sorry. Measles can unfold earlier than individuals even notice they’re sick.Practice good hygiene. Wash your fingers recurrently, keep away from touching your face an excessive amount of, and if somebody coughs or sneezes close to you, take a step again.Stay knowledgeable. If there’s a measles publicity alert in your space don’t panic, however undoubtedly monitor for signs and name your physician if something feels off.