On August 27, 2025, Fox News anchor John Roberts shocked viewers with the announcement that he was temporarily stepping away from his role as co-anchor of America Reports due to a rare and severe health condition. Diagnosed with a severe case of malaria—a disease so uncommon in the United States that his doctor described it as the first case he had ever encountered—Roberts’ health crisis has left fans, colleagues, and the media world reeling. At the height of a distinguished career, the 68-year-old journalist’s sudden absence from the airwaves has sparked widespread concern, admiration for his resilience, and hope for his recovery. This article delves into the details of Roberts’ diagnosis, the extraordinary circumstances surrounding it, his decision to prioritize health, and the outpouring of support that underscores his impact as a trusted figure in broadcast journalism.

John Roberts: A Storied Career

John David Roberts, born November 15, 1956, in Toronto, Canada, is a Canadian-American television journalist whose career spans nearly five decades. A veteran of multiple networks, including CITY-TV, CTV, CBS News, CNN, and Fox News, Roberts has covered some of the most significant events in modern history, from wars and natural disasters to presidential administrations. Joining Fox News in 2011 as a senior national correspondent, he rose to prominence as Chief White House Correspondent from 2017 to 2021, covering the Trump administration with tenacity. Since 2021, he has co-anchored America Reports alongside Sandra Smith, delivering news and commentary weekdays from 1-3 p.m. ET.

Roberts’ career is marked by accolades, including three national Emmy Awards for coverage of the Atlanta Olympic bombing, Princess Diana’s death, and the TWA crash, as well as a New York Press Club award. His ability to report from conflict zones—like Iraq during the 2003 invasion—and natural disaster sites, such as Hurricane Katrina, has cemented his reputation as a fearless journalist. Beyond his professional achievements, Roberts is known for his personal resilience, having navigated health challenges like heart issues requiring stents and a pacemaker, as well as a divorce and subsequent engagement to CNN anchor Kyra Phillips in 2010. His current health battle, however, is unlike anything he has faced before.

The Diagnosis: A Rare and Severe Case

On August 25, 2025, Roberts was diagnosed with a severe case of malaria, a mosquito-borne parasitic disease rarely seen in the United States. The diagnosis came after he experienced alarming symptoms during a live broadcast of America Reports. “I had been hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Literally everywhere,” Roberts told People magazine. “I was also beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show.” Initially mistaking the symptoms for muscle cramps or the flu, he sought medical attention at the urging of his rheumatologist, who noted dangerously low platelet and white blood cell counts in his bloodwork.

Upon admission to Inova Fairfax Hospital, doctors confirmed malaria, a diagnosis that stunned both Roberts and his medical team. “I can honestly say that I am the only person in the hospital with malaria,” Roberts posted on X on August 27. “In fact, one of my doctors said I’m the first case he has ever seen.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2,000 malaria cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S., nearly all linked to international travel. Roberts believes he contracted the disease during a two-week vacation in Indonesia in early August 2025, though he doesn’t recall being bitten by a mosquito. Symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue, typically manifest within one to four weeks of exposure, aligning with his timeline of feeling ill about 10 days after returning home.

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, can be life-threatening if untreated. Roberts’ case was classified as severe, requiring immediate treatment with IV artesunate, the first-line therapy for severe malaria in the U.S. He described the medication as a “big gun” for eliminating parasites, but his recovery has been an “up and down” journey. “I don’t know exactly how ‘severe’ it was from a medical classification, but it sure felt severe,” he admitted. “I have never felt that sick in my life.”

The Doctor’s Perspective: A First-of-Its-Kind Case

The rarity of Roberts’ diagnosis cannot be overstated. His physician, part of the infectious disease team at Inova Health, noted that in his decades-long career, he had never encountered a malaria case. This underscores the disease’s scarcity in developed nations, where it was eliminated in the U.S. in 1951. Most cases today are imported from tropical or subtropical regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, or, in Roberts’ case, Indonesia. The doctor’s astonishment highlights the medical anomaly of treating a condition more commonly seen in developing countries, requiring specialized protocols to manage effectively.

Roberts’ treatment involved close monitoring, as severe malaria can lead to complications like organ failure or cerebral malaria if not addressed promptly. His low platelet and white blood cell counts were particularly concerning, indicating a significant immune response to the infection. The use of IV artesunate, administered in a hospital setting, reflects the urgency of his condition. Despite the challenges, Roberts expressed gratitude for the expertise and compassion of the Inova Health team, crediting them with stabilizing his condition.

Stepping Away from America Reports

Following his diagnosis, Roberts made the difficult decision to step away from America Reports to focus on recovery. On August 27, he announced his absence on X, thanking colleague Trace Gallagher for filling in as co-anchor with Sandra Smith. “Thank you to Trace for jumping into the chair today!” he wrote, revealing his malaria diagnosis and hospitalization. The announcement came after viewers noticed his absence, with some speculating about his health following his visible discomfort on air, marked by “uncontrolled shivering.”

Roberts’ decision to prioritize health over work reflects a shift in perspective for a journalist known for his tireless work ethic. “I thought, ‘Of course you have malaria… You never do anything in small measures,’” he told People, acknowledging the severity of his condition. “But I was a little scared. Malaria can be deadly if left unchecked.” His choice to step back, even temporarily, was met with understanding from Fox News, which issued a statement supporting his recovery: “John is a valued member of our team, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Viewer Reactions: Concern and Support

The news of Roberts’ health crisis sent ripples through his audience, with fans taking to social media to express concern and support. “Get well soon, John Roberts. I hope doctors are keeping you pain-free,” one X user wrote. Another commented, “Wow, that’s no joke. Feel better and hope your recovery is smooth and steady.” The outpouring of well-wishes reflected Roberts’ deep connection with viewers, built over years of delivering news with authenticity and gravitas.

Some fans were shocked by the rarity of his condition, with one noting, “Malaria in the U.S.? That’s insane. Praying for you, John!” Others praised his transparency, appreciating his willingness to share such a personal struggle. The hashtag #GetWellJohn trended briefly on X, with viewers sharing clips of his past broadcasts and stories of how his reporting had impacted them. The support extended beyond fans, with colleagues like Sandra Smith and Greg Gutfeld offering public encouragement. “John’s tough as nails,” Gutfeld said on air. “He’ll be back breaking news in no time.”

A Career at Its Peak

Roberts’ health challenge comes at a pivotal moment in his career. As co-anchor of America Reports, he has been a steady presence during a tumultuous period in American politics, covering the second Trump administration, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and other global stories. His live reporting from Jerusalem and Washington, D.C., including coverage of Trump’s 2025 inauguration, showcased his versatility and dedication. At 68, Roberts remains a vital part of Fox News’ lineup, blending hard-hitting journalism with a calm demeanor that resonates with audiences.

His past health struggles, including a pacemaker installation in 2022 and surgery for post-diverticulitis issues in October 2022, have only strengthened his resolve. “I didn’t accept three experts’ views because I knew something was wrong,” he told SurvivorNet in 2022, emphasizing the importance of advocating for one’s health. This proactive approach likely contributed to his swift response to the malaria symptoms, ensuring timely treatment.

The Road to Recovery

Roberts’ recovery has been described as a rollercoaster. “Yesterday [August 27] was a down day,” he told People. “I felt horrible all day. I also have wild swings in temperature every hour.” Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic, hoping to be discharged from the hospital by August 31 and return to work by September 2, 2025. On August 31, he provided an encouraging update on X: “God willing, after 5 days and 6 nights at Inova Fairfax, I hope to be heading back home to my family today.” He shared a photo of an Anopheles mosquito, warning others about the disease’s dangers.

His treatment continues with close monitoring, as malaria can have lingering effects, including fatigue and immune system challenges. Roberts’ commitment to recovery mirrors his approach to journalism: thorough, determined, and unflinching. His wife, Kyra Phillips, and their two children have been a source of strength, with Phillips reportedly by his side throughout his hospitalization.

Broader Implications: Malaria in the U.S.

Roberts’ diagnosis highlights the rarity and seriousness of malaria in the U.S. With only 2,000 cases annually, the disease is a stark reminder of the risks of international travel, particularly to tropical regions. The CDC emphasizes the importance of preventive measures like antimalarial drugs and mosquito repellents, which Roberts may not have used during his Indonesia trip. His case also underscores the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment, as delays can be fatal.

The medical community’s response to Roberts’ case could prompt renewed awareness about travel-related illnesses. His doctor’s lack of prior experience with malaria suggests a gap in preparedness for rare diseases, even in advanced healthcare systems. Public health campaigns may leverage Roberts’ story to educate travelers about prophylaxis and early symptom recognition.

Conclusion

John Roberts’ temporary step away from America Reports after a rare malaria diagnosis has captivated viewers, showcasing both the fragility of health and the strength of human spirit. At the peak of a storied career, his battle with a first-of-its-kind case in his doctor’s experience underscores the unpredictability of life. From the chilling symptoms that disrupted his broadcast to his hopeful recovery, Roberts’ journey is a testament to resilience, supported by medical expertise, family, and fans. As he prepares to return, the journalism world awaits the return of a trusted voice, confident that his wit, wisdom, and warmth will shine through once more.