The Shiver That Spoke: John Roberts’ Malaria Battle and the Fragility Behind the News Desk
John Roberts is no stranger to breaking news. As co-anchor of America Reports on Fox News, he’s covered wars, elections, and global crises with a calm, commanding presence. But in late August 2025, the news turned inward. Roberts, 68, became the headline himself—hospitalized with a severe case of malaria, a disease so rare in the U.S. that one of his doctors said he’d never seen a case before.
It started with a chill. Then came the shivering. And then, live on air, Roberts began to unravel.
“I had been hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes,” he told People magazine. “Literally everywhere. I was also beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show”.
At first, he thought it was the flu. Maybe muscle cramps. But when the symptoms worsened, his rheumatologist urged him to go to the ER. Bloodwork revealed dangerously low platelet and white blood cell counts. The diagnosis: malaria.
And not just any case.
A severe one.
🧠 The Diagnosis That Didn’t Make Sense
Roberts hadn’t traveled to Africa or South America—regions where malaria is endemic. But he had vacationed in Indonesia in July. He suspects that’s where he contracted the parasite, though he doesn’t recall being bitten by a mosquito.
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms typically appear within one to four weeks and include fever, chills, body aches, nausea, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can cause organ failure, seizures, and death.
“I thought, ‘Of course you have malaria. You never do anything in small measures,’” Roberts joked. But behind the humor was fear. “I don’t know exactly how ‘severe’ it was from a medical classification, but it sure felt severe. I have never felt that sick in my life”.
🔥 The Hospital Stay
Roberts was admitted to Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia, where he spent five days and six nights receiving IV artesunate—the “big gun” treatment for malaria in the U.S.. His recovery was uneven. One day he felt fine. The next, he was drenched in sweat, shaking uncontrollably.
“Yesterday was a down day,” he said on August 27. “I felt horrible all day. I also have wild swings in temperature every hour. I’ll be shivering and shaking like a leaf … the next I’ll be sweating”.
Despite the discomfort, Roberts remained grateful. He thanked his wife, ABC News correspondent Kyra Phillips, for finding a global malaria expert in Malawi to guide his treatment. He also praised the nurses and technicians who cared for him—especially Raysa, who found a viable vein for his IV when others had given up.
🧵 The Anchor Off Air
Roberts’ absence from America Reports was immediately noticed. Viewers wondered why he wasn’t in his usual 1 p.m. slot. He took to social media to explain: “I somehow came down with a severe case of Malaria. I can honestly say that I am the only person in the hospital with Malaria. In fact, one of my doctors said I’m the first case he has ever seen”.
Trace Gallagher stepped in to co-anchor alongside Sandra Smith. Roberts thanked him publicly, saying, “Thank you to Trace for jumping into the chair today!”
It was a rare moment of vulnerability from a man known for his composure. And it reminded viewers that even the most seasoned journalists are human.
🌿 The Road to Recovery
Roberts was discharged on August 30, just in time for Labor Day. “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,” he wrote. “Well, maybe ready to watch the grill being fired up”.
He plans to return to work on September 2, though he admits he’s still recovering. Malaria, even when treated, can leave lingering fatigue and weakness.
But Roberts is resilient.
And he’s ready to get back in the saddle.
🎭 The Broader Implications
Roberts’ case has sparked renewed interest in mosquito-borne illnesses. With rising global temperatures and increased travel, diseases like malaria are no longer confined to tropical regions. In fact, New Jersey recently reported what could be its first locally acquired case of malaria in 34 years.
Health experts warn that climate change is creating more hospitable environments for mosquitoes in parts of the U.S. that were previously unaffected. Roberts’ story is a reminder that vigilance—and early diagnosis—can save lives.
💡 What We Learn
From John Roberts’ health battle, we learn that illness doesn’t discriminate. That even the most composed professionals can be blindsided. That shivering on air isn’t just a moment—it’s a message.
We learn that gratitude matters. That behind every recovery is a team of caregivers, loved ones, and experts who make healing possible.
We learn that humor can coexist with fear. That saying “I’ve never felt that sick in my life” doesn’t mean you’ve lost hope.
And we learn that sharing your story—especially when you’re vulnerable—can help others recognize symptoms, seek help, and feel less alone.
John Roberts didn’t just survive malaria.
He gave it a face.
And in doing so, he reminded us that even anchors need anchoring.
