Key Points:
- John Roberts was hospitalized with malaria after an Indonesian trip.
- Receiving treatment, recovery is still difficult.
- Malaria remains a serious global health risk.
Veteran television journalist John Roberts is recovering after being hospitalized with malaria, an illness he believes he contracted during a recent trip to Indonesia. The 68-year-old anchor shared details about his health struggle this week, noting that while treatment has begun, symptoms remain challenging.
Roberts described experiencing severe body pain, uncontrolled shivering, and dramatic swings in temperature before doctors identified the mosquito-borne disease. “I have never felt that sick in my life,” he said.
Early Symptoms Led to Hospitalization
John Roberts first noticed discomfort ranging from head-to-toe aches to intense chills while hosting his program. At first, he suspected the flu. However, when symptoms escalated, his rheumatologist advised him to seek immediate medical care.
Hospital tests revealed low platelet and white blood cell counts, leading to the malaria diagnosis. “Malaria can be deadly if left unchecked,” Roberts said, acknowledging the seriousness of the condition. He added with a touch of humor, “Of course, you have malaria. You never do anything in small measures.”
Medical experts note that malaria symptoms often appear within weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Patients can experience cycles of chills, high fever, sweating, and temporary relief before symptoms return. If untreated, the disease can progress rapidly and, in severe cases, become life-threatening.
Treatment and Ongoing Recovery
John Roberts suspects he contracted the parasite while vacationing in Indonesia in July. Symptoms appeared about ten days after his return to the United States. He is currently being treated with intravenous artesunate, a medication used in severe malaria cases.
Despite treatment, the anchor continues to experience alternating chills and fevers. “I’ll be shivering and shaking like a leaf, and the next moment I’ll be sweating,” he explained. Some days bring progress, while others remain difficult.
According to the Mayo Clinic, malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. While preventable and treatable, it remains one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 2,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, nearly all linked to international travel.
A Broader Global Health Risk
Globally, malaria continues to be a major health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports more than 200 million cases annually, with the majority occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Preventive measures include taking antimalarial medication, using mosquito repellent, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
Travelers to regions where malaria is common are strongly advised to consult healthcare providers before departure. Even with preventive measures, infections can occur, underscoring the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.
John Roberts said he is focusing on recovery and expressed gratitude for the medical care he has received. While it remains unclear how long his recovery will take, he acknowledged that the illness has been one of the most severe health challenges of his life.
His experience highlights not only the dangers of malaria but also the importance of vigilance when traveling to regions where mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent. Public health experts emphasize that early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing severe complications.
John Roberts’ recovery journey serves as both a personal health update and a broader reminder of the global fight against malaria, a disease that, despite medical advances, continues to affect millions worldwide.
