Fox News anchor John Roberts, aged 68, was hospitalized last in the United States after being diagnosed with a severe case of malaria.
Roberts, co-anchor of America Reports, likely contracted the mosquito-borne illness during a family vacation in Indonesia in early August 2025, with symptoms appearing approximately 10 days after his return. He reported experiencing intense body aches "from the top of my head to the tip of my toes," uncontrolled shivering during his live broadcast, and wild temperature swings, initially mistaking these for flu or muscle cramps.
Blood tests revealing low platelets and white blood cells prompted his rheumatologist to send him to the emergency room, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Roberts is being treated with IV artesunate, the standard treatment for severe malaria in the U.S., which he described as a "big gun" for eliminating the parasite. He noted feeling "up and down" during recovery, with some days marked by severe discomfort and temperature fluctuations. Roberts expressed gratitude to the medical team at Inova Health in Virginia and his colleague Trace Gallagher, who filled in for him alongside co-anchor Sandra Smith on America Reports.
He hopes to return to work today, but his primary focus remains recovery, as malaria can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. His doctor noted that Roberts was the only malaria patient in the hospital and the first case they had ever seen, highlighting the rarity of the disease in the U.S.
Malaria, caused by a parasite transmitted through infected mosquito bites, is uncommon in the U.S., with about 2,000 cases annually, mostly linked to international travel. Symptoms typically emerge 7 to 30 days post-exposure and include fever, chills, fatigue, and, in severe cases, complications like kidney failure or seizures. Roberts’ case underscores the risks of travel to malaria-endemic regions like parts of Indonesia, where he vacationed, particularly areas like Sumba Island known for higher malaria prevalence.