Shakira Concert Might've Sparked a Measles Outbreak. Do You Need a Booster?

Yahoo

22-05-2025

Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour has been drawing massive crowds and electrifying stadiums across the country—but her recent stop at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on May 15 made headlines for more than just the music. The New Jersey Department of Health issued a warning that an individual infected with measles attended the event, potentially exposing tens of thousands of concertgoers to the highly contagious virus.
Measles, once considered eliminated in the United States, is making a concerning comeback (often due to gaps in vaccination) with over 1,000 cases reported nationwide in 2025—the highest in nearly 25 years. Outbreaks are especially risky in crowded public spaces, like concerts, airports or schools where exposure can be hard to track. Earlier this year, two unvaccinated school-age children in Texas died from the virus.
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So, how serious is the measles virus? Should you get a measles booster even if you were vaccinated as a child? And just how effective are they? Let's dive in.
Measles is a highly contagious virus which can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against exposure. It spreads through airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes; you can catch it by simply being in the same room as an infected person—even up to two hours after they've left.
Plus, measles symptoms don't appear until 10 to 14 days after exposure.
There's no treatment to get rid of an established measles infection, but over-the-counter fever reducers or vitamin A may help with symptoms.
'Measles is so concerning because it is highly contagious—much more than COVID or the flu—so you can be contagious before you have any symptoms,' Dr. Neha Pathak, chief physician editor of WebMD, tells Flow Space. 'The initial symptoms often start just like a bad cold—high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Then, you can also develop the tell-tale rash —a red, blotchy rash that usually spreads from the face down the body.'
Other symptoms can include a fever or Koplik spots, which are tiny white spots in the mouth.
In more serious cases, it can cause pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), blindness and even be fatal.
'The measles vaccine is extremely effective,' says Pathak. 'About 97% after two doses. It's one of the most protective vaccines we have. One dose is still highly effective at around 93%.'
It is generally given in two doses, typically, the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at four to six years of age.
In people who receive both doses, contracting measles is extremely rare—even during outbreaks.
If you were born between 1957 and 1989, you may have received only one dose of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), which may not offer full protection.
Keep in mind that you could expose vulnerable loved ones. Grandchildren, aging parents or immunocompromised friends could be at greater risk if you unknowingly carry the virus. And your immunity might have waned. While measles infection often provides lifelong immunity, vaccine-based protection may diminish over time, especially for those who only got one dose.
'If you were vaccinated after 1968, you're likely protected,' says Pathak. 'The measles vaccine is extremely effective at providing lifelong immunity.'
However, if you're unsure, check your vaccination status with your healthcare provider to discuss what your options are. You can also ask your healthcare provider for a blood test to check immunity if you're unsure if you've been vaccinated.
Staying measles-aware isn't just about personal protection, it's about safeguarding your family and your community. If you're your vaccination status is unclear, speak with your healthcare provider, practice good hygiene in public spaces and avoid exposure if you hear of local outbreaks—especially in crowded venues.