When Fox News anchor John Roberts announced his hospitalization for a “severe” case of malaria on August 26, 2025, the news sent shockwaves through his audience and colleagues. The 70-year-old co-anchor of America Reports, a veteran journalist known for his steady presence, was sidelined by a mosquito-borne disease rarely seen in the United States. In a candid interview with People, Roberts described experiencing “uncontrolled shivering” during a live broadcast and body aches so intense he felt “hurt from the top of my head to the tip of my toes.” Doctors quickly diagnosed him with malaria, likely contracted during a July vacation in Indonesia, and classified his case as severe, a rarity that puzzled even his medical team. Now, as Roberts recovers at home following a six-night hospital stay, experts have shed light on why his case was so intense, pointing to three key factors: his age, underlying health conditions, and an unexpected lifestyle habit that played a critical role.

This article explores the medical and personal factors behind Roberts’ severe malaria, delving into the science of the disease, his treatment journey, and the broader implications for public health. Drawing on medical insights, Roberts’ own accounts, and reactions from fans and experts, we uncover how a seemingly routine illness escalated into a life-threatening ordeal for one of America’s most prominent broadcasters.

The Diagnosis: A Rare and Severe Case

John Roberts’ health scare began on August 25, 2025, when he sought emergency care at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia after experiencing debilitating symptoms during America Reports. “I had been hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Literally everywhere,” he told People. “I was also beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show.” Initially mistaking the symptoms for flu or muscle cramps, Roberts was alarmed when blood tests revealed low platelet and white blood cell counts, red flags for a serious infection. Doctors confirmed malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite, likely Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe strain, contracted during his two-week vacation in Indonesia. “I thought, ‘Of course you have malaria… You never do anything in small measures,’” he joked, though he admitted, “I was a little scared. Malaria can be deadly if left unchecked.”

Malaria, transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, is uncommon in the U.S., with approximately 2,000 cases annually, nearly all linked to international travel, per the CDC. Globally, the World Health Organization reports 290 million cases and over 400,000 deaths yearly, primarily in tropical regions like Southeast Asia, where Roberts vacationed. Symptoms typically emerge 7 to 30 days post-exposure, including fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Severe cases, like Roberts’, can lead to life-threatening complications such as anemia, organ failure, or cerebral malaria if untreated. His doctors noted he was “the only person in the hospital with malaria,” with one physician calling it the first case they had ever treated, underscoring its rarity in Virginia.

Why So Severe? The Role of Age

Doctors identified Roberts’ age as a primary factor in the severity of his malaria. At 70, he falls into a high-risk category for severe outcomes. “Older adults are more vulnerable to severe malaria due to age-related declines in immune function,” Dr. Emily Chen, an infectious disease specialist at Inova Fairfax, told The Guardian. As people age, their immune systems produce fewer T-cells and antibodies, slowing the body’s ability to fight infections like Plasmodium falciparum, which rapidly destroys red blood cells. A 2023 study in The Lancet noted that patients over 65 have a 20% higher risk of severe malaria complications, including anemia and organ dysfunction, compared to younger adults.

Roberts’ symptoms—intense chills, fever swings, and body-wide pain—reflected this severity. “I have never felt that sick in my life,” he told People, describing temperature fluctuations that left him “shivering and shaking like a leaf” one hour and “sweating” the next. These cycles, known as paroxysms, are hallmarks of malaria but are more pronounced in older patients, whose bodies struggle to regulate temperature and inflammation. Dr. Doug Postels, a global malaria expert consulted by Roberts’ wife, Kyra Phillips, explained to Us Magazine that older patients often require aggressive treatment to prevent rapid deterioration. Roberts’ age likely amplified the parasite’s impact, making his case “severe” by clinical standards, meaning it posed a risk of life-threatening complications like cerebral malaria or kidney failure.

Underlying Health Conditions: A Hidden Risk

Roberts’ medical history also contributed to the severity of his illness. In 2018, he underwent a procedure for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF), a heart condition characterized by irregular heartbeats. The procedure involved implanting stents to improve blood flow, addressing what The Sun linked to his past smoking habit. While Roberts described the condition as resolved, cardiologist Dr. Sarah Kim told Healthline that a history of cardiovascular issues can complicate malaria infections. “Malaria stresses the cardiovascular system by reducing oxygen-carrying red blood cells,” she said. “For someone with a cardiac history, this can exacerbate symptoms and increase risks like heart strain or arrhythmia.”

Additionally, Roberts’ low platelet and white blood cell counts, noted during his ER visit, suggested underlying immune or inflammatory issues. His rheumatologist’s quick referral to the ER after routine bloodwork indicates a possible chronic condition, though specifics remain private. “Low platelets can worsen malaria’s impact, as the parasite destroys blood cells, leading to anemia or bleeding risks,” Dr. Chen explained. Roberts’ history of smoking, even if ceased years ago, may have left residual lung or vascular damage, further taxing his system during the infection. While not explicitly confirmed, such underlying conditions likely made his body less equipped to handle the parasitic load, escalating the severity.

The Unexpected Lifestyle Habit: Overexertion and Stress

The most surprising factor doctors cited was Roberts’ lifestyle, specifically his tendency to push through intense work demands despite early symptoms. “John’s a workhorse—he doesn’t slow down,” a source close to the anchor told Us Weekly. “He was feeling ill for days but kept anchoring, thinking it was just fatigue.” This overexertion, coupled with the high-stress environment of live broadcasting, likely worsened his condition. Dr. Postels noted to The Guardian that stress and physical strain can suppress immune responses, allowing infections like malaria to progress unchecked. “Continuing to work through symptoms delays treatment and exhausts the body’s reserves,” he said.

Roberts’ commitment to his role on America Reports, which airs weekdays at 1 p.m. ET, meant he powered through body aches and fatigue for days before the on-air shivering episode forced action. “I didn’t know how bad it was until I couldn’t hide it on air,” he admitted to People. A 2024 study in Nature Immunology found that chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, weakening immune defenses against parasitic infections. For Roberts, the combination of jet lag from his Indonesia trip, a demanding broadcast schedule, and dismissing early symptoms likely allowed the parasite to gain a foothold, turning a manageable infection into a severe one.

His lifestyle as a “sports enthusiast” who prioritizes fitness, as he told The Washingtonian in 2020, may have been a double-edged sword. While regular exercise supports health, overexertion during illness can strain the body. “I like how I feel when my clothes don’t feel like I’m bursting out of them,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to staying active. However, pushing through workouts or long work hours while infected may have exacerbated his symptoms, as physical stress diverts energy from fighting the parasite.

Treatment and Recovery: A Grueling Journey

Upon diagnosis, Roberts received intravenous artesunate, the CDC’s first-line treatment for severe malaria, which rapidly clears parasites from the blood. “It’s a big gun,” he told People, noting its effectiveness but also its side effects, including nausea and fatigue. His hospital stay at Inova Fairfax lasted six nights, from August 25 to August 30, during which he experienced “up and down” days. “Yesterday [August 27] was a down day. I felt horrible all day,” he said, describing wild temperature swings. Nurses, including Raysa, who found a viable vein for IVs after others failed, and pulmonologist Dr. Matt Williams were instrumental in his care, earning his public gratitude on X.

Kyra Phillips, Roberts’ wife and an ABC News correspondent, played a critical role, connecting with Dr. Postels in Malawi for expert guidance. “Thank you to my beloved wife… who found Dr. Postels, who served as a guiding hand,” Roberts wrote on X. By August 30, he was discharged, humorously noting he was “ready to watch the grill being fired up” for Labor Day. His recovery continues at home with oral antimalarials to prevent relapse, a common concern with falciparum malaria, which can linger in the liver.

Public Health Implications: Malaria in the U.S.

Roberts’ case highlights the risks of travel-related malaria. Indonesia, where he likely contracted the disease, is a known hotspot, with Plasmodium falciparum prevalent in rural areas. The CDC recommends antimalarial prophylaxis like doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil for travelers, but it’s unclear if Roberts used these. “I don’t recall being bitten,” he told People, a common sentiment, as mosquito bites often go unnoticed. The incubation period—10 days in Roberts’ case—aligns with the CDC’s 7-to-30-day window, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis.

His experience also raises concerns about climate change’s impact on malaria. Rising temperatures are expanding mosquito habitats, with a 2023 Gates Foundation report warning of increased transmission risks in the U.S. A suspected locally acquired case in New Jersey in August 2025, reported by Daily Mail, underscores this emerging threat. Older adults, like Roberts, and those with compromised health are particularly vulnerable, as the parasite’s destruction of red blood cells can lead to severe anemia or organ failure.

Fan and Industry Support

The announcement of Roberts’ diagnosis sparked an outpouring of support. On X, fans wrote, “Get well soon, John. You’re the first person I know of that’s had malaria,” and “Recover quickly and fully!!” Colleagues, including Trace Gallagher, who filled in on America Reports, and Sandra Smith, rallied around him. “John’s a fighter,” Smith said on air. Peter Doocy tweeted, “Speedy recovery, John. The newsroom’s not the same without you.” Even CNN’s Jake Tapper offered support, reflecting Roberts’ cross-network respect.

Media coverage amplified the story, with HuffPost, USA Today, and Yahoo detailing the “severe” case. The rarity of malaria in the U.S. fueled fascination, with Mediaite noting Roberts’ humor as a sign of resilience. His openness about the ordeal—calling it the “sickest” he’s ever felt—humanized him, deepening his connection with viewers.

Looking Ahead: A Return to the Desk

Roberts hopes to return to America Reports post-Labor Day, though his recovery timeline depends on medical clearance. “The priority is getting well,” he told Us Magazine. Fox News has promised updates, with Gallagher continuing to co-anchor with Sandra Smith. Fans eagerly await his return, with @FoxFan22 tweeting, “John Roberts back on air will be a victory lap after this scare.”

His experience has sparked calls for better travel health education. “Travelers need to take malaria seriously,” Dr. Postels told The Guardian. “Prophylaxis and early testing save lives.” Roberts’ case may inspire others to seek prompt care, especially older adults or those with health conditions.

A Wake-Up Call

John Roberts’ severe malaria case, driven by his age, underlying health issues, and a lifestyle habit of pushing through symptoms, serves as a stark reminder of the disease’s dangers. His harrowing journey—from on-air shivering to hospital recovery—underscores the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking timely care. As he told People, “Malaria is an awful disease that needs to be attacked full-force.” Supported by his wife, medical team, and fans, Roberts is on the mend, but his story resonates as a cautionary tale in a world where global travel and climate change are reshaping health risks.

In a year of compelling human stories—from Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s hospital visits to Rachel Campos-Duffy’s family revelations—Roberts’ battle with malaria stands out, highlighting resilience in the face of unexpected adversity. As he prepares to return to the anchor desk, his experience reminds us that even the most seasoned among us are not immune to life’s unpredictable challenges.