EDM has gotten most of the bad concert news this year, most recently due to the trampling of a security guard at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami and the death of one of its attendees. The attention now turns to rock concerts, specifically the Kings of Leon, after the Washington State Department of Health announced that a woman infected with measles had attended the band's concert at Key Arena on March 28. The department estimates that the woman had contracted the disease two days before attending the concert.
Measles is a respiratory virus that causes fevers and a cough in victim, and possibly a rash. Most Americans have phased worrying about measles to the back of their minds thanks to vaccinations given to children around the age of 18-months. However it's highly contagious for those who haven't been vaccinated, and the department of health recommended everyone in attendance at the show confirm that they've gotten their shots. The disease could potentially prove fatal if left untreated. Those who haven't gotten vaccinated should consult with a medical professional immediately, just in case.
Hypochondriacs, don't panic: There's been no indication that the band itself came in contact with the virus, and the Followill brothers won't be bringing a plague apocalypse on tour as an opening act. Furthermore, don't be swayed from attending other concerts this summer.
This story does less to illustrate the danger of attending music events than to demonstrate the importance of vaccination. Much like the current mumps outbreak occurring around Columbus, OH and Ohio State University, these things get out of hand quickly. That guy who left a 2,500 word comment when we claimed Tupac's death wasn't a cover up will probably take issue with this statement as well, but GET YOUR SHOTS.
