Surprising fact: the United States records about 2,000 imported malaria cases each year and an average of nearly seven deaths annually — a reminder that travel-related illness still matters here.
When a well-known anchor in his late 60s fell ill after a trip to Indonesia, viewers learned how fast a parasitic disease can escalate. He described feverish chills, uncontrolled shivering, and body-wide aches that pushed him to seek emergency care.
The hospital found low platelets and white cells and started IV artesunate, the U.S. first-line treatment for severe cases. That urgent therapy is a fast-acting medical “big gun” used to prevent complications and save life.
For context and details on the timeline and treatment, see this People report. This piece frames one anchor’s episode alongside clear tips on when to seek care after travel.
Key Takeaways
- Imported malaria still occurs in the U.S.; travel history matters for diagnosis.
- Typical symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and severe body aches.
- Low platelets and white blood cells can prompt urgent hospital treatment.
- IV artesunate is used for severe cases to reduce risk of complications.
- Seek prompt care if symptoms appear within weeks after travel to endemic areas.
John Roberts hospitalized with a severe case of malaria after Indonesia trip
Ten days after travel, what started like a flu turned into a dangerous medical emergency. The timeline began with a two-week stay in Indonesia, return in early August, then symptom onset about 10 days later.
Timeline: from feeling “up and down” to ER visit and diagnosis in late August
The anchor felt up and down, with temperature swings and fatigue. His rheumatologist saw low counts on routine labs and advised an ER visit, where clinicians confirmed malaria and declared it a severe case.
Symptoms described
“I had uncontrolled shivering and aches from the top of my head to the tip of my toes,” he said.
That description flagged a systemic infection. He added he had never felt sicker in his life.
What doctors found and hospital treatment
Blood work showed low platelets and low white blood cells, prompting escalation. In the hospital, doctors started IV artesunate, the U.S. first-line therapy for a severe case.
Recovery outlook
His course was variable—one day of intense chills, the next of heavy sweating—but the plan was stabilization and recovery with hopes to return to America Reports after Labor Day.
john roberts fox news Malaria: what the disease is, symptoms, and why cases appear in the U.S.
A mosquito bite abroad can seed a swift, dangerous infection that shows up days to weeks later.
What is malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease spread by infected mosquitoes. Once parasites enter the body, they invade the blood and trigger repeating fever cycles. Severe infection can harm organs and threaten life.
Common symptoms and timing
Early symptoms often include shivering, high fever, headache, and muscle aches. People may also have nausea or fatigue.
Symptoms typically start one to four weeks after exposure, which explains delayed illness after travel.
U.S. context and treatment
Although local transmission ended in 1951, about 2,000 imported cases occur each year in the United States. That fact matters for returning travelers and their doctors.
For a severe case malaria, IV artesunate is the clinical “big gun” because it rapidly clears parasites from the blood and lowers complication risk.
| Topic | Typical Features | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Parasite via mosquito | Immediate bite, symptoms later |
| Early signs | Shivering, fever, headache, aches | 1–4 weeks post-exposure |
| Severe care | IV artesunate, monitoring labs | Urgent hospitalization |
Impact on Fox News and America Reports: anchor bench steps in as Roberts recovers
Coverage shifted quickly when the anchor went into the hospital. Producers brought in veteran Trace Gallagher to cohost with Sandra Smith on America Reports, which airs weekdays at 1 p.m. ET.
The network told viewers today about the change and emphasized prioritizing the anchor’s health. He publicly thanked clinical teams and colleagues and said he hoped to return to work after Labor Day, depending on recovery.
People sent supportive messages on social media, reflecting how a community can rally around one person in a tough moment. The quick fill-in preserves the program’s rhythm and keeps reporting steady for the audience.
How the show stays steady
- Veteran anchors fill key roles to maintain on-air continuity.
- Brief status updates set expectations without oversharing medical details.
- Producers balance newsroom logistics and human considerations to keep the broadcast reliable.
Conclusion
A high-profile anchor’s sudden illness after travel shows how quickly an ordinary trip can turn into a severe case. His account of aches from the top of his head to the tip of his toes and episodes of uncontrolled shivering makes the warning clear.
Hospital teams used IV artesunate guided by blood tests to clear parasites and protect life, and the fox news anchor plans to return to America Reports when clinicians say it is safe. Viewers and people who care sent support today, and colleagues kept the program steady while he recovered.
For travelers: prepare before you go, use repellents, consider prophylaxis, and seek prompt care if symptoms arise after travel—early action can change the outcome of a came severe case.