Fox News anchor hospitalized with rare illness doctors have never seen before

John Roberts is known for delivering the news, not being the headline. But this week, the longtime Fox News anchor found himself facing a health crisis unlike any he’s ever covered.

A sudden disappearance — and a shocking diagnosis

Fans of America Reports noticed something was off when Roberts, 68, suddenly vanished from his co-host seat beside Sandra Smith. On Tuesday, he broke his silence: he’s been hospitalized with a “severe case of malaria.”

“I can honestly say I am the only person in the hospital with Malaria,” Roberts shared. “In fact, one of my doctors said I’m the first case he has ever seen.”

Source: Fox News

While he didn’t give a timeline for his return, the message was clear: this is serious. For now, Trace Gallagher, who normally hosts Fox News @ Night, is stepping in to co-anchor the weekday news program, while Roberts focuses on recovering.

A family vacation turned health scare

So how did a U.S.-based journalist end up with a rare tropical disease? Social media posts show Roberts was in Indonesia with his wife and children two weeks ago. He tweeted that the family visited Sumba Island, which has high malaria rates according to a 2022 medical study.

The disease, spread by mosquito bites, is extremely rare in the U.S., with fewer than 2,000 cases annually. Most are travel-related, according to the CDC, which describes malaria as a “severe, potentially fatal disease” that requires immediate medical care.

Thank you to Trace for jumping into the chair today!
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.
Thanks to the folks at… https://t.co/6ZHiB5Dv8v

— John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) August 26, 2025

The symptoms can escalate fast: fever, seizures, confusion, even coma. But Roberts appears to be in capable hands.

He thanked doctors at Inova Health in Virginia for their “expertise and compassion.”

Support pours in as fans rally behind him

News of Roberts’ illness sparked an outpouring of well wishes from viewers and public figures alike.

North Carolina Rep. Mark Harris shared, “Beth and I are praying for a swift recovery.” Another user commented, “I hope doctors are keeping you pain-free.” Another fan wrote, “You’re the first person I know of that’s had malaria. I hope you’re pain-free and resting.”

Roberts’ health battle marks a rare personal chapter for the seasoned journalist, who’s spent decades reporting on others’ hardships and triumphs.

While he’s staying private about his condition, his message to fans is clear: this isn’t just a bump in the road, it’s a fight.