Large crowd at a music concert.
Share this @internewscast.com

A MASSIVE health alert has been issued after tens of thousands of people may have been exposed to measles at a packed concert.

Officials are now urging more than 55,000 attendees to monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination records.

Large crowd at a music concert.
A non-New Jersey resident attended the May 16 concert (stock image)Credit: Getty
Illustration of measles virus particles.
The new Jersey Department of Health confirmed the measles case (stock image)Credit: Getty
Shakira performing on stage.
A person with measles attended Shakira’s sold-out concert at the MetLife StadiumCredit: AP

An alert was activated following a case where a non-resident of New Jersey, who was present at the event on May 15 at MetLife Stadium, was confirmed to have contracted the highly infectious virus.

The individual was inside the venue between 7:30 pm and 1 am during the sold-out Shakira concert.

The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed the case and said it’s unclear where the infected person was seated.

Officials have cautioned that those who were present at the stadium from 7:30 pm on May 15 until 1:00 am on May 16 may have been exposed to the virus and could possibly develop symptoms by as late as June 6.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, dry cough, red and watery eyes, and a runny nose.

A rash usually follows within a few days and spreads from the face down to the rest of the body.

Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and in rare cases, death.

It can also cause miscarriages or premature births if contracted during pregnancy.

As of May 20, no additional measles cases have been reported in New Jersey.

But the incident adds to growing concerns nationwide as measles continues to spread in the US.

Urgent measles warning to Ryanair passengers as cases spread

More than 1,000 cases have been confirmed across 31 states so far in 2025.

The majority of cases are in children, with 303 cases in children under 5, and 388 cases in children between 5 and 19.

Texas has seen the most cases, with over 700 confirmed and two child deaths this year.

Children under five account for a large portion of recent cases, and nearly a quarter of them required hospitalization.

What to know about measles

Measles is an extremely infectious viral ailment that transmits through coughing, sneezing, or direct interaction with someone infected. The virus has the capability to remain in the air for up to two hours.

Symptoms:

  • High fever
  • Dry cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Rash (usually starts on the face and spreads downward)

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. The rash typically shows up 3 to 5 days after early symptoms begin.

Complications:

Can include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), miscarriage, premature birth, and even death, especially in young children and pregnant women.

How it spreads:

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth. Up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to it will get sick. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.

Cases in the US (2025):

  • 1,024 confirmed cases of measles across 14 outbreaks this year
  • Cases span 31 states
  • Texas has the highest number, with over 700 cases, including two child deaths
  • Nearly all infections involve unvaccinated individuals or people with unknown vaccination status

Confirmed measles cases were reported by 31 jurisdictions:

Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Vaccine info:

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is 97% effective after two doses.

Updated by CDC on May 16, 2025

Most of those infected were unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status.

Health experts say the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is 97% effective when both doses are given.

But vaccination rates have dropped in recent years, falling below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.

Only 11 states met that threshold among kindergartners in the last school year.

Federal health officials are warning that if the US sees continuous measles transmission for a year, the country could lose its elimination status.

Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963, the disease was so common that health experts believe nearly everyone was exposed to it, which led to some level of natural immunity in the population.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cincinnati mayoral candidate, VP Vance's half-brother, slams city leadership after brutal beatdown

Cincinnati Mayoral Contender, Half-brother of VP Vance, Criticizes City Officials Following Violent Assault

CINCINNATI – A contender for Cincinnati’s mayoral position criticized the city’s administration…
Abdul Robinson Sr. identifies Ksoo as killer

Abdul Robinson Sr. Claims Ksoo is Responsible for Murder

Hakeem Robinson is on trial for the murder of Charles McCormick. His…

Inventor Julian Brown’s Involvement in Disturbing Missing Persons Reports Sparks Fan Concerns, Prompts Police to Address Rumors

THE family of a popular energy engineer at the center of sick…
JSO: Woman shot, killed during party on Rover Drive hour after Fourth of July

Shootings in Jacksonville Result in One Fatality and Multiple Injuries Over the Weekend

A violent weekend in Jacksonville leaves one dead and several injured after…
Photo of Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink.

Tragic Final Hours of Parents Who Sacrificed Their Lives to Save Their Daughters Shortly After Relocating for a Fresh Start

The couple who lost their lives while shielding their young daughters during…
DCPS substitute teacher arrested, accused of having guns, ammunition on campus

VP of Jacksonville Teachers’ Union to Admit Guilt in $1M Fraud Scheme

Ruby George, aged 81 and the retired executive vice president of Duval…
Premier Outdoor USA, Outdoor Dreams Company and Shaun Jackrel sued by AG

Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Premier Outdoor USA, Outdoor Dreams Company, and Shaun Jackrel

In April 2024, the Ask Anthony team started looking into viewers complaints…
Youngsters' firepower poses tricky trade deadline call for Mets

Youthful Talent Forces Difficult Trade Deadline Decision for Mets

SAN DIEGO — Since the All-Star break, the standout narrative for the…
Travis Kelce debuts dramatic haircut at Chiefs training camp

Travis Kelce Unveils Bold New Hairstyle at Chiefs Training Camp

It was time for a change for Travis Kelce. The four-time First-Team…
Multiple dead, including gunman in Manhattan skyscraper shooting: sources

Several Dead, Including Shooter, in Manhattan Skyscraper Incident: Sources

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (WPIX) – Authorities are responding to a report of an…
Mugshot of Bradford Gille, accused of stabbing 11 people.

Walmart Stabbing Suspect Randomly Attacked Shoppers, Witness Recalls Horrifying Scene

DISTURBING details about the homeless man who allegedly prowled through a Walmart…
Arizona prosecutors decline to charge father in drowning death of TikTok influencer's 3-year-old son

Arizona Prosecutors Decide Not to File Charges Against Father in Drowning Incident Involving 3-Year-Old Boy, Son of TikTok Influencer

The husband of a TikTok influencer in Arizona will not face charges…