New Jersey Health Dept Issues Measles Alert After Concert

Talk about the worst encore ever.

Fans who attended the first of two nights of concerts with Shakira at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, May 15th, are being warned they may have been exposed to measles by another concertgoer.

I remember talking about this concert on the morning of the show because NJT transit trains were on strike, and a listener called asking about what other type of public transportation would be available to get to the show.

Now, there is a bigger concern. Measles.

NJ Dept of Health Warns Concertgoers

A fan from out of state who attended a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium on May 15 was infected with measles and may have spread the highly contagious virus.

If you went to the show, you are fortunate about a couple of things.

The show was outside, and the venue is very large -- with a capacity of 85,000 people.

Still, officials with the state Department of Health say anyone who was at the stadium in East Rutherford that night may have been exposed to the virus.

No Measles Infections have Been Reported

No measles cases associated with the concert have been reported, but symptoms could develop as late as June 6, health officials said.

Although viruses tend to spread more quickly indoors, measles can live in an airspace for up to two hours and is still highly transmissible, especially if you are unvaccinated.

Very little information has been released about the infected fan. We don't know where they sat or which entrance or exit was used, according to ABC News.

The New Jersey Department of Health advises anyone who was at the concert to monitor for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms.

Symptoms could develop as late as June 6.

If you suspect exposure or exhibit symptoms, contact your healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility to prevent further spread.

You should also make sure your measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations are up to date, just to ease your concerns and make sure you're not a risk to anyone else.