Hundreds of individuals could have been uncovered to measles in New Jersey after attending a sold-out Shakira live performance final week, well being officers mentioned.
An out-of-state resident contaminated with the extremely contagious virus attended the “Each time, Wherever” singer’s Might 15 present at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the state’s Division of Well being announced Tuesday.
The individual, whose precise seating within the stadium was not shared, was on the venue from 7:30 p.m. till 1 a.m. the next morning. Anybody who visited the stadium, which has a seating capability of 82,500, throughout these hours could have been uncovered to the virus, which may be particularly harmful for kids, leading to respiratory and neurologic problems and loss of life.
Kevin Mazur by way of Getty Pictures
“The virus spreads simply via the air when somebody coughs or sneezes and might stay within the air for as much as two hours after an contaminated individual leaves the realm. Folks can even get sick once they are available in contact with mucus or saliva from an contaminated individual,” the Well being Division mentioned.
No further circumstances related to the person had been recognized as of Tuesday. A Well being Division spokesperson didn’t instantly reply to HuffPost’s request for remark Thursday on the place the individual was seated and whether or not new circumstances have since been recognized.
Well being officers are encouraging residents to stand up up to now on their vaccinations and concentrate on the virus’ signs. These embrace a excessive fever, cough, runny nostril, watery purple eyes and a rash that normally seems between three and 5 days after signs start.
Anybody who suspects publicity or sickness is requested to name a well being care supplier earlier than going to a medical workplace or emergency division to stop potential unfold.
“Particular preparations may be made for analysis whereas additionally defending different sufferers and medical employees from potential an infection,” the Well being Division mentioned.
The well being advisory comes because the U.S. faces its second-largest case rely of the virus ― which was declared eradicated within the U.S. in 2000 ― in 25 years.
As of final week, there have been 1,024 confirmed measles circumstances and three associated deaths in 31 states up to now this yr, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The overwhelming majority of circumstances, 96%, have concerned folks not vaccinated or with an unknown vaccination standing. Of these hospitalized, most have been below the age of 5.
