Fox News anchor John Roberts, 68, was recently hospitalized after being diagnosed with an advanced case of malaria—a rare but serious illness that caused intense shaking and severe pain. The seasoned journalist shared that his first troubling symptoms surfaced live on air earlier this week when he suddenly began uncontrollable shivering during a broadcast.
Roberts told People that the experience was unlike anything he had ever faced before. “My entire body ached—from my head down to my toes,” he explained, adding that the severity of the illness quickly became alarming. Subsequent blood tests revealed critically low levels of platelets and white blood cells, leading doctors to conduct further examinations. These tests confirmed that he was battling malaria, a diagnosis Roberts admitted made him feel “a bit scared.”
Malaria, caused by a parasite transmitted through infected mosquito bites, is uncommon in temperate regions such as the U.S., but remains widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a potentially life-threatening disease if not treated promptly, with common symptoms including high fever, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue. Worldwide, malaria affects nearly 290 million people annually and results in over 400,000 deaths, predominantly among vulnerable groups.
