Fox News anchor John Roberts, 68, is hospitalized after being diagnosed with a severe case of malaria. The veteran journalist first noticed alarming symptoms live on air, when he began shivering uncontrollably. He later described the illness as “unlike anything I had endured before,” with full-body pain and dangerously low blood counts. Doctors eventually confirmed malaria, a rare diagnosis in the U.S.
Roberts had recently returned from Indonesia, where he likely contracted the parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes. While malaria is common in tropical regions, it is unusual in North America. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease can be fatal if untreated, with symptoms including fever, chills, and fatigue. Roberts is now receiving intravenous artesunate, a powerful therapy that has saved millions worldwide.
Despite the seriousness of his illness, Roberts expressed gratitude for his family, colleagues, and medical team. Married to fellow journalist Kyra Phillips, he is also a devoted father of two. Known for his calm and trusted reporting, Roberts said he hopes to return to his co-anchoring role on America Reports soon, once recovery allows.
