A stunning new health report.
Fox News anchor John Roberts has revealed he’s been hospitalized after contracting what he described as a “severe case of malaria,” sidelining him from his weekday slot on America Reports.
“I somehow came down with a severe case of malaria,” Roberts, 68, announced via X on Tuesday. “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.”
His co-host seat alongside Sandra Smith has been filled by Trace Gallagher, he explained, thanking his replacement.
Roberts, who previously covered the White House for Fox, thanked doctors at Inova Health in Virginia, as well as his colleagues for stepping in.
Viewers, colleagues, and network contributors expressed shock at the news and offered their support, wishing the anchor a quick recovery.
“Beth and I are praying for a swift recovery!!” North Carolina Rep. Mark Harris said.
“Whoa! Feel better soon, John,” added Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel.
Malaria was eliminated from the U.S. in 1951, according to the CDC. However, the country still sees about 2,000 malaria cases per year. There were, on average, nearly seven deaths per year between 2007 and 2022.
Malaria cases in the U.S. are now mostly linked to international travel.
Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. Cases in the U.S. were typically in people who traveled to or from countries where the disease is widespread. The CDC said locally acquired, mosquito-transmitted malaria is “rare” in the country.
Malaria patients often reported having recently returned from Africa, the CDC said. Patients commonly reported visiting friends and family as their primary reason for travel.
