Fox News anchor John Roberts has revealed he spent a week in hospital fighting a severe case of malaria, which he believes he contracted during a trip to a tropical location.
The veteran journalist, 67, shared details of his harrowing health ordeal on social media, explaining that the illness left him profoundly weak and requiring extensive medical treatment.
'It knocked me down pretty hard,' Roberts admitted in his candid post. The news host described experiencing severe symptoms that necessitated immediate hospital care, where he remained for seven days undergoing treatment.
While Roberts did not specify the exact tropical destination where he believes he contracted the mosquito-borne illness, his case serves as a stark reminder of the health risks associated with travel to malaria-prone regions.
Malaria, a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes, can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Symptoms typically include high fever, sweats, chills, and vomiting – often appearing 7-18 days after infection.
Roberts' diagnosis comes despite the availability of preventive medications that travellers can take before visiting high-risk areas. His experience highlights the importance of taking proper medical precautions when travelling to tropical climates.
The news anchor has since returned home and is continuing his recovery, though he acknowledged the road back to full health has been challenging. His colleagues and viewers have flooded social media with messages of support for his complete recovery.
Roberts' absence from his regular hosting duties on Fox News had been noted by viewers before his health revelation. The network has yet to comment on when he might return to his broadcasting role.
