Fox News anchor John Roberts was hospitalized on August 25 due to a severe case of malaria, according to reports. The 68-year-old journalist revealed he experienced intense physical distress during his illness, describing “uncontrolled shivering” throughout his broadcast. Roberts told PEOPLE that he initially mistook his symptoms for muscle cramps or the flu but later confirmed the diagnosis after blood work showed low platelets and white blood cells.
Roberts attributed his condition to a July vacation in Indonesia, where he contracted the mosquito-borne parasite. He noted that symptoms began approximately 10 days after returning home and escalated to the point of requiring hospitalization. Despite receiving treatment with IV artesunate, Roberts reported lingering effects, including “wild swings in temperature” and persistent shivering.
The anchor expressed gratitude to medical staff at InovaHealth but emphasized his unusual case, stating he believed himself to be the first malaria patient his doctor had encountered. Roberts acknowledged the severity of the illness, noting that malaria can be fatal if untreated. He hopes to return to work by Labor Day but prioritized recovery amid ongoing symptoms.
The United States reports around 2,000 malaria cases annually, primarily in individuals who contracted the disease abroad. Roberts’ case highlights the risks of tropical travel without adequate preventive measures.
