A Sudden Absence from the Airwaves

On August 26, 2025, viewers of Fox News’s America Reports noticed something unusual: John Roberts, the seasoned co-anchor known for his steady presence, was absent from his usual 1-3 p.m. slot. His co-host, Sandra Smith, alongside substitute anchor Trace Gallagher, announced that Roberts was battling a “serious” illness, one so rare that his doctors had never encountered it before. The revelation sent shockwaves through the Fox News audience, with fans flooding social media with messages of support and concern. Speculation soon emerged, fueled by comments from Roberts’s colleagues, that the condition might be linked to an exposure from his days as a field reporter, a period when he covered high-risk assignments in conflict zones and disaster areas around the globe.

Roberts, a 68-year-old Canadian-American journalist with a decades-long career, is no stranger to adversity, both professional and personal. His sudden absence from the airwaves, coupled with the mysterious nature of his illness, has sparked intense curiosity and concern. This article explores the details of Roberts’s health crisis, the potential connections to his storied career as a field reporter, and the broader implications for journalists who face unseen risks in their pursuit of truth. Drawing on recent reports and Roberts’s own statements, we delve into his journey, his legacy, and the outpouring of support as he fights to recover.

The Illness: A Rare and Unprecedented Diagnosis

On August 28, 2025, Roberts opened up about his condition in an exclusive interview with People magazine, revealing that he had been diagnosed with a severe case of malaria, a mosquito-borne parasitic disease rarely seen in the United States. “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 his symptoms—fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue—for the flu, Roberts sought medical attention after his rheumatologist noted low platelet and white blood cell counts, prompting an urgent trip to the emergency room. There, doctors at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia confirmed the diagnosis: malaria, a condition so uncommon in the U.S. that one of his physicians described it as the first case they had ever treated.

Malaria, caused by a parasite transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, is typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2,000 cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S., mostly among travelers returning from endemic areas. Symptoms, which appear 7 to 30 days after exposure, include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, untreated malaria can lead to complications like kidney failure, seizures, or death. Roberts’s case was described as “severe,” with the anchor noting, “I have never felt that sick in my life.”

What makes Roberts’s diagnosis particularly intriguing is its rarity and the speculation about its origins. During a broadcast on August 27, Sandra Smith hinted that the illness might be connected to something Roberts was exposed to during his field reporting days, a comment echoed by Trace Gallagher. “John’s been all over the world covering stories in some pretty intense places,” Gallagher said on America Reports. “It’s possible this is tied to something he encountered back then.” This suggestion has led to theories that Roberts’s condition could be a delayed manifestation of an exposure from his time in high-risk environments, though no definitive link has been confirmed.

A Career Forged in the Field

John David Roberts, born November 15, 1956, in Toronto, Canada, has built a storied career spanning five decades, marked by bold reporting in some of the world’s most volatile regions. Starting in 1975 at local radio stations in Southern Ontario, Roberts transitioned to television with CITY-TV and MuchMusic, where he co-hosted The NewMusic and anchored CityPulse. His early work in Canada, including stints at CTV’s Canada AM, earned him accolades and a reputation as a versatile journalist. In 1989, he moved to the U.S., joining CBS’s Miami affiliate before rising to prominence at CBS News and later CNN, where he co-anchored American Morning from 2007 to 2010.

Roberts joined Fox News in 2011 as a senior national correspondent, later serving as Chief White House Correspondent from 2017 to 2021, covering the Trump administration. Since 2021, he has co-anchored America Reports with Sandra Smith, delivering news with a blend of gravitas and accessibility. Throughout his career, Roberts has reported from conflict zones, including Yugoslavia during the NATO bombing, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as natural disasters like the 2013 Oklahoma tornado and the 2011 aftermath of Hurricane Irene. He has interviewed global leaders like George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Yitzhak Rabin, earning multiple Emmy Awards and induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2009.

His field reporting days, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s, placed him in environments where exposure to infectious diseases was a constant risk. During the Iraq War, Roberts noted a “marked change” in his health, attributing it to environmental factors like poor air quality, though he was not near the infamous burn pits linked to respiratory issues in veterans. “There was a lot of stuff in the air during that war from the fighting,” he told SurvivorNet in 2022, reflecting on how his cardiovascular health declined post-Iraq. While malaria is typically contracted through mosquito bites, the possibility of a latent or atypical infection from his travels has been raised, though medical experts caution that malaria symptoms usually manifest within weeks, not years.

The Speculation: A Link to His Past?

The suggestion that Roberts’s malaria might be tied to his field reporting days has sparked intrigue, though medical evidence casts doubt on a direct connection. Roberts himself believes he contracted the disease during a two-week vacation in Indonesia in late July 2025, with symptoms appearing about 10 days after his return. “I don’t remember being bitten, but I started feeling sick,” he told People. Indonesia, a malaria-endemic region, is a plausible source, and the timeline aligns with the disease’s incubation period. However, the comment from his co-hosts about a possible link to his past has fueled speculation that his illness could involve a rare complication or a misdiagnosis initially tied to his extensive travel history.

During his field reporting career, Roberts covered stories in regions where mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika are prevalent. His assignments in the Middle East, South Asia, and Turkey exposed him to environments with limited sanitation and high disease risk. While malaria is not known to remain dormant for decades, other parasitic or environmental exposures could theoretically cause long-term health effects. For example, chronic infections like Q fever or brucellosis, contracted through contact with contaminated environments, can mimic malaria’s symptoms and persist for years. However, no reports confirm such a diagnosis in Roberts’s case, and his doctors’ focus on malaria suggests the Indonesia trip as the likely source.

The rarity of Roberts’s case adds to the mystery. “I can honestly say that I am the only person in the hospital with malaria,” he wrote on X on August 26, 2025. “In fact, one of my doctors said I’m the first case he has ever seen.” This statement underscores the unusual nature of the diagnosis in a U.S. hospital, where malaria is almost exclusively seen in travelers. The CDC notes that severe malaria can lead to complications like organ failure, making prompt treatment critical. Roberts is receiving IV artesunate, the standard therapy for severe cases, and has described his recovery as “up and down,” with temperature swings and persistent fatigue.

A History of Health Challenges

This is not Roberts’s first brush with serious health issues. In 2018, he underwent a procedure to address blocked arteries, a condition he attributed to years of smoking. “Smoking earlier in my life is why I have three pieces of stainless steel in my heart,” he told The Washingtonian in 2020. In 2022, he revealed he had a pacemaker installed after experiencing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), a type of irregular heartbeat. The procedure followed a harrowing experience in 2018, when severe pain in his hands and forearms led him to seek multiple medical opinions. After three doctors failed to diagnose the issue, a fourth identified the heart condition, reinforcing Roberts’s belief in advocating for oneself. “You know your body better than anyone,” he told WKML 95.7 in 2024.

These prior health struggles highlight Roberts’s resilience, a trait that has defined his career and personal life. His current battle with malaria, however, has been particularly grueling. “Malaria is an awful disease that needs to be attacked full-force when a diagnosis is made,” he wrote on X on August 30, 2025, after five days in the hospital. “I’ve gone from being so sick that any dog would take pity on me to being ready to fire up the grill on Labor Day (well, maybe ready to watch the grill being fired up).” His humor and optimism, even in the face of illness, have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.

The Toll of Journalism

Roberts’s illness underscores the hidden risks journalists face, particularly those who work in the field. His career has taken him to war zones, disaster sites, and politically volatile regions, where exposure to environmental hazards and infectious diseases is a constant threat. Covering the Iraq War, the London bombings of 2005, and earthquakes in Turkey, Roberts faced not only physical danger but also the psychological toll of witnessing human suffering. His 2022 SurvivorNet interview revealed how the Iraq War affected his cardiovascular health, suggesting that the stress and environmental factors of field reporting can have lasting consequences.

The speculation about a link to his field reporting days, while unconfirmed, raises important questions about the long-term health impacts of journalism. Reporters in conflict zones often face exposure to pollutants, infectious diseases, and trauma, with limited access to medical care. The case of Bill Biggart, a photojournalist killed during the 9/11 attacks, serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate risks some journalists take. Roberts’s current illness, whether tied to his recent trip or past exposures, highlights the need for better health protections for journalists working in high-risk environments.

Support from Colleagues and Fans

As Roberts recovers, his Fox News colleagues have rallied around him. Trace Gallagher, who stepped in to co-anchor America Reports, was praised by Roberts on X: “Thank you to Trace for jumping into the chair today!” Sandra Smith, his longtime co-anchor, expressed relief at his progress, saying on air, “We’re all praying for John and can’t wait to have him back.” The network has emphasized prioritizing Roberts’s health, with producers ensuring seamless coverage by leveraging veteran anchors like Gallagher.

Fans have been equally supportive, flooding X with messages of encouragement. “Get well soon, John Roberts,” one user wrote. “I hope doctors are keeping you pain-free. You’re the first person I know of that’s had malaria.” Another posted, “Oh, John, I thought you were joking!! I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Many prayers and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.” The outpouring reflects Roberts’s impact as a trusted voice in journalism, with viewers appreciating his candor about his health.

A Road to Recovery

Roberts’s recovery is ongoing, with the anchor expressing hope to return to America Reports after Labor Day, depending on his progress. On August 30, he shared an update on X, noting he was planning to leave the hospital after “five days and six nights.” His treatment with IV artesunate has been effective in clearing the malaria parasites, but the disease’s cyclical nature—marked by chills, fever, and sweating—has left him fatigued. “Yesterday was a down day. I felt horrible all day,” he told People. “I also have wild swings in temperature every hour.” Despite these challenges, Roberts remains optimistic, buoyed by the care at Inova Fairfax and the support of his family, including his fiancée, CNN anchor Kyra Phillips, and their two children.

The broader context of Roberts’s illness highlights the growing threat of vector-borne diseases in a warming world. The Gates Foundation and United Nations Development Program have warned that climate change is expanding the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, increasing the risk of outbreaks. A recent case in New Jersey, potentially the first locally acquired malaria infection in 34 years, underscores this concern. While Roberts’s case is travel-related, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance for travelers and healthcare providers.

A Legacy of Resilience

John Roberts’s career is a testament to his resilience and dedication to journalism. From his early days as a radio DJ in Ontario to his role as a leading voice at Fox News, he has navigated a rapidly evolving media landscape with professionalism and grit. His health challenges, from heart issues to malaria, have not dimmed his passion for reporting. In 2024, he shared advice on WKML 95.7: “Never be afraid to ask questions. You know your body better than anyone.” This mantra has guided him through his latest ordeal, as he advocated for himself to secure a diagnosis.

As Roberts fights to recover, his story resonates beyond the newsroom. It’s a reminder of the unseen risks journalists face, the importance of listening to one’s body, and the power of community support in times of crisis. Whether his illness is indeed tied to his field reporting days or a more recent exposure, Roberts’s battle with this rare disease underscores his strength and determination. As he wrote on X, “Malaria is an awful disease, but I’m ready to fight it.” For fans, colleagues, and fellow journalists, John Roberts’s journey is a powerful narrative of courage, perseverance, and hope.