Shakira Concert Turns Into Health Scare As Measles Exposure Confirmed
A night of music turned alarming as health officials confirm measles exposure at Shakira’s sold-out New Jersey concert.
What was meant to be a thrilling night of music and celebration took an unexpected turn when Shakira’s concert in New Jersey was linked to a confirmed case of measles exposure.
The event packed thousands of fans, many of whom are now being urged to take precautions.
Health officials have issued a public warning, turning the memorable night into a growing concern for concertgoers across the area.
Health Officials Confirm Measles Exposure At Shakira’s Concert
On May 15, Shakira sold out the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford for the New Jersey Leg of her Los Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.
While concertgoers believed all they had was a night full of fun, health officials have now warned that thousands of fans may have been exposed to measles at the event.
On Tuesday, the New Jersey Department of Health issued an advisory, revealing that anyone present in the stadium between 7:30 pm and 1:30 am may have been exposed to the virus.
However, they couldn’t immediately identify where the contagious person was seated in the 82,500-capacity stadium or where they were from.
Thankfully, as of Tuesday, there was no other confirmed case stemming from the concert.
Health Officials Alert Fans On Measles Symptoms
Although no new cases have been confirmed, the health officials warned that symptoms might develop weeks later.
“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 among the unvaccinated. No measles cases associated with the concert have been reported, but symptoms could develop as late as June 6,” the health department said.
According to the officials, symptoms could include rash, fever, dry cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes.
Individuals who develop these symptoms are advised to call a healthcare provider before going to any medical office or emergency center.
“Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection,” the advisory read.
Shakira's Colombia Concert Canceled Due To Safety Reasons
— Shakira (@shakira) February 22, 2025
Shakira’s New Jersey concert isn’t the first to spark concern recently. In February 2025, the singer canceled her Columbia concert due to safety concerns.
In a statement obtained by Billboard, concert promoter Páramao Presenta explained the reason behind the cancellation.
“The roof of the stage installed by the local production suffered damage that puts at risk the safety of the artist, her staff, and, most importantly, that of the audience,” the statement read.
He also noted that the event would be rescheduled for a later date, which wasn’t disclosed.
“The promoter and the artist's team are working together and hope to reschedule the date in the future. We understand that this decision may be annoying for the public anxiously awaiting the show, but the most important thing is everyone's safety," the statement further read.
After the announcement, Shakira took to social media to apologize and address the situation.
“My people from Medellín! It hurts me a lot not to be able to get on stage and sing for you as much as I wanted to,” she tweeted.
Shakira also apologized for the inconvenience, “especially for those who have traveled.” According to her, the decision was out of her hands.
Shakira’s Show In Lima Gets Cancelled
Days before canceling her show in Colombia, Shakira also canceled her concert in Lima, Peru.
In a post shared on her Instagram Stories, the “Waka Waka” crooner cited health concerns as the reason for the cancellation.
"I regret to inform you that last night i had to go to the emergency room for an abdominal condition, and I am hospitalized at the moment. The doctors who are treating me have informed me that I am not in a condition to present a concert tonight,” the statement read per The Blast.
The 48-year-old also noted that she planned to return as soon as possible. She thanked fans for their understanding and said she would communicate a new date at a later time.
Shakira Says She Spent Months Preparing For Her Tour
Although Shakira’s ongoing tour has encountered some issues, fans are hopeful things will run smoothly from now on.
So far, the pop star has performed in different countries, including Chile and Mexico, and has given fans the time of their lives.
It is no surprise considering that the “Hips Don’t Lie” hitmaker revealed she had been rehearsing for the tour for over a year and spent about 14 hours daily mastering her performance.
“Today is the day. At this moment I write these lines from my dressing room. The reflection in the mirror gives me the image of a woman who has left every last breath in each rehearsal, in each chord, in each step," she wrote in Spanish, per Variety, ahead of her opening performance in Brazil.
