Tens of thousands exposed to measles at new jersey concert, health officials warn

Tens of thousands exposed to measles at New Jersey concert, health officials warn

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1 min read
May 22, 2025

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is warning residents of possible exposure to measles after an out-of-state individual who later tested positive for the virus attended Shakira’s sold-out concert at MetLife Stadium while infectious.

The exposure may have occurred between 7:30 p.m. on May 15 and 1:00 a.m. on May 16. NJDOH advises that individuals who were at the stadium during that time could develop symptoms as late as June 6. The department is urging the public to monitor for signs of illness and confirm their vaccination status, particularly with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a spreading rash that begins on the face and progresses downward. The disease is highly contagious and can result in serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. In pregnant individuals, it may also lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

Photo: tens of thousands exposed to measles at new jersey concert, health officials warn

As of Monday, no additional measles cases linked to the May 15 exposure have been reported in New Jersey. Health officials stress that anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility. This step is intended to minimize potential exposure to other patients and staff.

High-risk individuals urged to verify vaccination status

The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, according to NJDOH. It can also spread through contact with mucus or saliva. Those at greatest risk include people who are unvaccinated or who have not previously had the disease.

Photo: tens of thousands exposed to measles at new jersey concert, health officials warn

The two-dose MMR vaccine is described by health authorities as safe and effective at preventing not only measles but also related complications. NJDOH encourages all residents to confirm they are current with routine immunizations, particularly if traveling abroad, where exposure risk may be higher.

Infants between 6 and 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR before international travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday to complete the recommended immunization schedule.

Officials continue to monitor for new cases and reiterate the importance of early identification and prevention to contain the spread of the virus.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

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