Fox News anchor John Roberts is currently hospitalized with a severe case of malaria, a health crisis that has shocked viewers and colleagues alike. The 68-year-old journalist was officially diagnosed on August 25 after experiencing worsening symptoms live during his broadcast of America Reports. Doctors at Inova Health, where Roberts is undergoing treatment, have explained why his illness became so serious compared to typical malaria cases. They pointed to three main factors: his age, his underlying health conditions, and—most surprisingly—his grueling lifestyle as a prominent news anchor marked by long days, little sleep, and relentless stress.

Roberts’ ordeal began soon after he returned from a two-week vacation in Indonesia earlier in August, where he is believed to have contracted the parasite. At first, he dismissed the fatigue, chills, and muscle aches as lingering jet lag or perhaps a minor virus. He continued working, ignoring the warning signs. But on August 25, his condition escalated rapidly. During his show, he endured uncontrollable shivering and severe pain throughout his body. “I was hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes,” he later told PEOPLE. Alarming results from bloodwork revealed dangerously low platelets and white blood cells, prompting his rheumatologist to send him straight to the ER, where doctors confirmed he was facing a severe form of malaria.

Although malaria is rare in the United States—with roughly 2,000 cases each year, mostly in travelers returning from tropical regions—severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications such as organ failure. Dr. Emily Chen, an infectious disease specialist at Inova, explained that Roberts’ age made him especially vulnerable. “At 68, the body’s immune response isn’t as strong as it once was, which makes it harder to fight off infections,” she said. In addition, sources close to Roberts indicated he has chronic health conditions managed by his rheumatologist. These underlying issues, combined with his weakened immune system, meant the parasite was able to spread more aggressively, leaving him in a much more fragile state.

Yet doctors emphasized that lifestyle played an equally important role. As a veteran anchor at Fox News, Roberts has maintained a punishing schedule of early mornings, late nights, and constant pressure from the 24/7 news cycle. According to colleagues, he often sleeps only four or five hours per night and pushes through fatigue to cover breaking news. Dr. Chen stressed that chronic sleep deprivation and stress substantially weaken immunity, leaving the body less capable of fighting off infections. By continuing to work and dismissing his symptoms for more than a week, Roberts allowed the malaria parasite to gain a dangerous foothold before medical intervention began.

Roberts is now receiving intravenous artesunate, considered the most powerful first-line treatment for severe malaria. Even so, his recovery has been uneven. He described battling dramatic swings in body temperature, sometimes shivering uncontrollably before breaking into heavy sweats minutes later. A planned on-air appearance with co-anchor Sandra Smith had to be canceled when a sudden fever returned. Instead, Roberts sent a message to viewers: “Take your health seriously. Don’t ignore what your body’s telling you. I’ll be back soon.” Smith, along with Trace Gallagher who has been filling in, reassured viewers that the Fox News family is supporting Roberts through his fight, while fans flooded social media with words of encouragement.

Despite being the only malaria patient currently treated at Inova Health, Roberts praised the medical team for their exceptional care. He expressed determination to return to America Reports by early September, though doctors are monitoring his recovery closely. Reflecting on the ordeal, Roberts admitted that he initially believed he could “power through” the illness, only to learn that the body does not bend to the demands of a hectic career. His story now stands as a cautionary tale for others in high-pressure professions: no schedule is worth compromising one’s health. As Roberts continues his treatment, his message remains clear—respect the signals your body sends, seek help early, and never underestimate the cost of ignoring your well-being.