Longtime Fox News anchor John Roberts, 68, has been hospitalized after being diagnosed with a severe case of malaria, a mosquito-borne disease most common in tropical and subtropical regions. Speaking to PEOPLE Magazine, Roberts described the onset of his illness, which began about 10 days after returning from a two-week vacation in Indonesia. Initially, he assumed his widespread body aches and shivering were due to flu or muscle cramps, but the severity of his symptoms prompted further concern. He reported feeling pain “from the top of [his] head to the tip of [his] toes,” coupled with uncontrollable shivering during his broadcast, indicating that the illness was rapidly intensifying.
Roberts realized the seriousness of his condition after reviewing his blood work, which revealed abnormally low platelet and white blood cell counts. On the advice of his rheumatologist, he went to the emergency room for further evaluation. Once hospitalized, he received the official diagnosis of malaria, an infection caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Roberts admitted that while he was somewhat lighthearted about the diagnosis, acknowledging that he “never do[es] anything in small measures,” he was also aware of the potential dangers, noting that malaria can be deadly if left untreated. Despite not knowing the formal classification of severity, he emphasized that the illness “felt severe” and that he had never felt so sick in his life.
The onset of Roberts’ symptoms aligns with the typical incubation period for malaria, which can range from one week to a month after exposure. Common symptoms include fevers, chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Roberts believes he contracted the disease while in Indonesia, though he does not recall being bitten by a mosquito. Once his condition was identified, he was treated with IV artesunate, a potent therapy considered the standard for serious malaria cases in the United States. Roberts referred to the medication as a “big gun” for clearing the parasites from his system, highlighting the aggressive approach necessary to combat the infection effectively.
During hospitalization, Roberts experienced intense and fluctuating symptoms. He described days where he would feel severe discomfort and erratic swings in body temperature—shivering one moment and sweating the next. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about returning to work, with plans to resume broadcasting on September 2. In his first public acknowledgment of the illness via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Roberts thanked fellow anchor Trace Gallagher for filling in for him on America Reports during his absence, demonstrating both appreciation for colleagues and his continued connection to the workplace. He also noted that he was the only malaria patient in the hospital at the time, with doctors remarking that his case was unusual.
Medical professionals weighed in on the case, providing context about the severity of malaria and its potential complications. Dr. Jeffrey Horelick, who shared his own experience with malaria, explained that the deadliest strain, Plasmodium falciparum, can lead to severe outcomes such as cerebral malaria, organ failure, and high mortality rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Horelick recounted his personal ordeal during a trip to Northeast Africa, where delayed treatment resulted in critical illness and a prolonged recovery period. He emphasized the importance of timely medical intervention and expressed confidence in Roberts’ ability to recover fully, noting that modern treatments like IV artesunate significantly improve outcomes for severe cases.
Roberts’ experience serves as a reminder of the risks posed by malaria, even for travelers to regions where the disease is less prevalent. His hospitalization and recovery highlight the importance of awareness, early detection, and rapid treatment. While malaria is rare in the United States, international travel to endemic areas carries risk, and protective measures such as prophylactic medication, insect repellent, and awareness of symptoms remain crucial. Roberts’ case also underscores the human impact of tropical diseases on those who are otherwise healthy and active, reminding the public that even seasoned professionals in high-profile roles are vulnerable to serious infections. As he continues his recovery, his openness about the illness provides valuable insight into the challenges of confronting malaria and the importance of both medical care and public awareness.
