John Roberts’ Heartbreaking Last-Minute Decision: Fox News Anchor Battles Malaria, Urges Fans to Prioritize Health

On a recent broadcast of America Reports, Fox News anchor Sandra Smith took a moment to send heartfelt well-wishes to her co-anchor, John Roberts, who is currently hospitalized with a severe case of malaria. The 68-year-old veteran journalist, known for his sharp wit and steady presence on the show, has been absent from the anchor desk since his diagnosis on August 25, leaving viewers concerned and curious about his condition. In a surprising revelation, Smith shared that she had arranged to have a live conversation with Roberts from his hospital bed to update fans directly. However, at the last minute, Roberts made the difficult decision to cancel the call for a deeply moving reason: he didn’t want to alarm his audience.

Roberts, who has been battling the mosquito-borne illness since returning from a vacation in Indonesia earlier this month, experienced a sudden return of fever just before the scheduled call. According to sources close to the anchor, he was concerned that appearing on air—potentially looking frail or unwell—might frighten viewers who have come to rely on his steady, reassuring presence. Instead, he asked Smith to convey a powerful message on his behalf: a reminder to prioritize personal health and a promise to return to America Reports as soon as he’s able.

“It broke my heart when John called to say he couldn’t do the segment,” Smith told viewers during the broadcast, her voice tinged with emotion. “He’s been through so much this week, and he didn’t want to worry anyone. But he’s fighting hard, and he asked me to share his gratitude for your support and to remind everyone to listen to their bodies.” Smith’s words struck a chord, as fans flooded social media with messages of support for Roberts, who has become a beloved figure in the Fox News community.

Roberts’ health scare began shortly after his return from a two-week trip to Indonesia, where he likely contracted malaria. Initially, he dismissed his symptoms—body aches, fatigue, and chills—as jet lag or a minor virus, pushing through his demanding schedule at Fox News. But by August 25, the symptoms had escalated to uncontrollable shivering during his America Reports broadcast, prompting his rheumatologist to send him straight to the emergency room. There, doctors at Inova Health delivered the shocking diagnosis: severe malaria, a potentially life-threatening illness if left untreated.

“I had been hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes,” Roberts shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. “I was beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show. I thought it was just muscle cramps or the flu, but when my blood work showed low platelets and white blood cells, I knew it was bad.” The diagnosis was a wake-up call for the anchor, who admitted he was “a little scared” upon learning that malaria can be deadly if not addressed promptly.

Since his hospitalization, Roberts has been receiving IV artesunate, the standard treatment for severe malaria in the United States. While the medication has been effective in combating the parasitic infection, his recovery has been a rollercoaster. “Some days I feel like I’m turning a corner, and others, I’m back to square one,” he told PEOPLE, describing wild swings in temperature that leave him shivering one moment and sweating the next. The sudden fever that prompted him to cancel the on-air conversation with Smith was a stark reminder of the disease’s unpredictability.

Despite the setback, Roberts remains optimistic and deeply grateful for the support he’s received. In his message to viewers, relayed through Smith, he emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body. “John wanted me to tell you all to take your health seriously,” Smith said on air. “He ignored his symptoms for too long because he was caught up in work, and he doesn’t want anyone else to make that mistake. He’s determined to beat this and be back with us soon.”

The outpouring of support for Roberts has been overwhelming. On X, where he first announced his diagnosis, fans and colleagues alike have shared messages of encouragement. “Get well soon, John! You’re tougher than malaria,” one viewer wrote. Another added, “Your strength is an inspiration. Take all the time you need—we’ll be waiting for you.” Trace Gallagher, who has been filling in as co-anchor on America Reports, also received praise from Roberts for stepping up during this challenging time.

For now, Roberts is focused on his recovery, with hopes of being discharged from Inova Health in the coming days and returning to Fox News by September 2. His doctors, who noted that he’s the first malaria case they’ve seen, have been impressed by his resilience. “The team at Inova has been incredible,” Roberts wrote on X. “Their expertise and compassion are getting me through this.”

As the Fox News community rallies around one of its own, Roberts’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of health awareness. Malaria, while rare in the United States, affects approximately 2,000 Americans annually, often those who have traveled to tropical or subtropical regions. Symptoms like fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue can escalate quickly, and Roberts’ experience underscores the dangers of dismissing them.

Smith closed the segment with a personal note to her co-anchor: “John, we’re all rooting for you. The America Reports desk isn’t the same without you, but we know you’ll be back stronger than ever.” For now, viewers are holding onto Roberts’ promise of a speedy return and his heartfelt plea to prioritize their health—a message born from a frightening ordeal and a last-minute decision made out of care for his audience.