Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is proving to be a major success, captivating fans with her electrifying performances. While some aspects of the tour may bear resemblance to Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, Shakira has managed to keep her audience entertained in unique ways. Notably, she has included her nanny, who gained media attention during the strawberry-jam cheating scandal, and has been performing deep cuts from her discography, all while showcasing her iconic dance moves. However, this week, a minor setback has emerged that has raised health concerns among concertgoers.
On Tuesday, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJ DOH) issued a warning regarding a potential measles exposure for the thousands of fans who attended Shakira's concert. The alert was triggered by one individual from outside New Jersey who attended the show while infected with the measles virus. Though the NJ DOH did not specify the exact seating area of the affected individual, they are urging anyone who was present at the concert on Thursday night to contact a healthcare provider for guidance on next steps.
Health officials are advising concert attendees to remain vigilant for symptoms of measles, which can manifest as a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a characteristic flat red rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms. Those who have not received the MMR vaccine—which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella—or individuals who have never had measles are considered at higher risk. The NJ DOH has indicated that symptoms could potentially appear as late as June 6.
This alert regarding Shakira's concert is part of a broader trend of rising measles outbreaks across the United States. Earlier this year, a tragic incident in Texas resulted in the death of an unvaccinated child due to measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 1,000 confirmed cases of measles have been documented in the country this year, marking the potential for the largest outbreak in nearly 25 years. This alarming statistic has even led some, including anti-vaccine advocate RFK Jr., to acknowledge the importance of vaccine uptake, specifically the MMR vaccine.
For fans of Shakira, the best course of action is to stay informed and watch for any signs of measles infection. If you attended the concert and are unvaccinated or have not had measles in the past, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider immediately. Ensuring you are vaccinated is the most effective way to safeguard against the virus. As Shakira continues her world tour, let’s hope she has also taken the necessary precautions for her health and safety, as she has many more performances ahead.
