Talk about an unexpected vacation souvenir! Fox News’ John Roberts is battling severe malaria, contracted during his trip to Indonesia. From live broadcast to hospital bed, his recovery has been ‘up and down.’ Who knew a mosquito bite could cause such a stir?
Esteemed Fox News anchor John Roberts has recently been hospitalized with a severe case of malaria, an illness he believes was contracted during a recent vacation to Indonesia. The veteran journalist’s unexpected health battle has drawn significant attention, highlighting the serious risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases in tropical regions and underscoring the importance of preventative measures for international travelers.
Roberts, 68, first reported feeling unwell with intense, widespread pain and severe chills during a live broadcast, initially dismissing his symptoms as a common flu. However, as his condition worsened, he sought medical attention, where subsequent bloodwork revealed alarmingly low platelet and white blood cell counts, prompting further investigation into his mysterious ailment.
The conclusive diagnosis revealed malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, predominantly found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. This diagnosis clarified the severe symptoms Roberts had been experiencing, which are characteristic of advanced stages of the illness if left untreated.
It is widely believed that Roberts contracted the infection earlier this month while vacationing in Indonesia, a country known for its tropical environment where malaria is endemic in certain areas. Symptoms of the disease typically manifest one to four weeks following exposure, including fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea, aligning with Roberts’ reported timeline of illness onset.
Currently, Roberts is undergoing treatment with intravenous artesunate, which is recognized as the standard therapeutic approach for severe malaria cases within the United States. While his medical team works diligently to combat the parasitic infection, Roberts himself has described his recovery journey as “up and down,” acknowledging the profound impact the illness has had on his overall well-being.
In a personal account shared publicly, Roberts expressed his astonishment at being the sole patient diagnosed with malaria in his hospital, quoting one of his doctors who noted it was their first observed case. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals at InovaHealth for their exceptional expertise and compassionate care during this challenging period, underscoring the critical role of specialized medical attention in such rare instances.
Beyond his current health struggles, John Roberts maintains a prominent role in broadcast journalism, co-anchoring “America Reports” alongside Sandra Smith since 2021. His extensive career includes joining Fox News in 2011 as a senior national correspondent, preceded by significant tenures at both CNN and CBS News, establishing him as a respected figure in national news coverage.
