Thousands of fans who packed into MetLife Stadium on May 15 for the Colombian superstar’s concert are now being warned they may have been exposed to measles, one of the most contagious viruses in the world. According to state health officials, a concertgoer who attended the show was “associated with a newly identified case of measles in a non-NJ resident who attended a concert in NJ while infectious.”
No cases have been confirmed among attendees yet, but the concern is very real. With MetLife Stadium holding up to 82,000 people and measles having an incubation period of up to 21 days, infected individuals may not start showing symptoms until as late as June 6.
Officials are urging anyone who was at the concert to monitor for symptoms—fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash—and to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they begin to feel sick. They’re also asking the public to check their vaccination status.
This warning comes just days after another measles alert was issued in New Jersey when an infected international traveler passed through Newark Liberty International Airport, potentially exposing hundreds of other people. The twin alerts are raising alarm bells among health experts who say the virus is making a dangerous comeback in the U.S.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but cases have been steadily rising due to falling vaccination rates. Just last week, the CDC confirmed over 1,000 cases across 31 states this year alone, resulting in at least three deaths.
With large-scale events like concerts acting as potential superspreader sites, public health officials are calling on attendees to take the warning seriously. Anyone who was at Shakira’s MetLife show should keep a close eye on their health and avoid contact with vulnerable individuals—including babies, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised—until they’ve ruled out infection.
Just another benefit to unrestricted immigration and open borders. Hopefully it was a bunch of liberals at that concert.