Fox News anchor John Roberts, 68, is recovering in the hospital after being diagnosed with a severe case of malaria.
The longtime journalist revealed that he fell ill on Monday, Aug. 25, and experienced intense symptoms that led to an ER visit and eventual hospitalization.
“Never Felt That Sick in My Life”
Roberts said his illness began with aches across his entire body and uncontrollable shivering, which he initially mistook for the flu.
“I had been hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Literally everywhere. I was also beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show,” he told PEOPLE.
Blood tests revealed dangerously low platelets and white blood cell counts, prompting his rheumatologist to send him to the ER.
“I don’t know exactly how ‘severe’ it was from a medical classification, but it sure felt severe,” Roberts said. “I have never felt that sick in my life.”
Likely Contracted in Indonesia
Roberts believes he contracted the parasitic disease during a recent two-week vacation in Indonesia. He began experiencing symptoms about 10 days after