Fox News anchor John Roberts, currently hospitalized with a severe case of malaria, has faced a health scare that has left fans and colleagues reeling. Diagnosed on August 25 after experiencing debilitating symptoms during his America Reports broadcast, the 68-year-old journalist is battling a particularly aggressive form of the mosquito-borne illness. Doctors at Inova Health, where Roberts is receiving treatment, have shed light on why his case is more severe than most, pointing to a combination of his age, underlying health conditions, and an unexpected lifestyle habit: his grueling schedule of late nights, early mornings, and the relentless demands of the 24/7 news cycle.

Roberts’ ordeal began shortly after he returned from a two-week vacation in Indonesia in early August, where he likely contracted malaria. Initially, he dismissed symptoms like body aches, fatigue, and chills as jet lag or a minor virus, pushing through his duties at Fox News. But by Monday, August 25, the situation escalated. “I was hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes,” Roberts told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “I was beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show.” His blood work revealed alarmingly low platelets and white blood cells, prompting his rheumatologist to send him straight to the emergency room, where doctors confirmed the diagnosis of severe malaria.

Malaria, caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, is rare in the United States, with about 2,000 cases diagnosed annually, typically in travelers returning from tropical regions. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue, but severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications like organ failure. According to Dr. Emily Chen, an infectious disease specialist at Inova Health, Roberts’ case stands out due to several compounding factors. “Age is a significant risk factor,” Dr. Chen explained. “At 68, the body’s immune response isn’t as robust, making it harder to fight off infections like malaria.” Roberts’ age put him at higher risk for complications, as older patients often experience more severe symptoms.

Additionally, Roberts has underlying health conditions that likely exacerbated the infection. While he has not publicly disclosed the specifics, sources close to the anchor suggest he has managed chronic conditions under the care of his rheumatologist. “Underlying health issues, especially those affecting the immune system or blood, can make infections like malaria more severe,” Dr. Chen noted. Low platelet and white blood cell counts, as seen in Roberts’ blood work, indicate a compromised ability to fight the parasite, allowing it to proliferate unchecked.

But the most surprising factor in the severity of Roberts’ illness is his lifestyle. As a high-profile news anchor, Roberts operates on a punishing schedule of late nights and early mornings, driven by the demands of breaking news and live broadcasts. “John’s routine involves minimal sleep—often four or five hours a night—combined with the high stress of the newsroom,” a colleague shared. “He’s up at dawn prepping for the show and stays late to cover breaking stories.” This relentless pace, doctors say, played a critical role in worsening his condition.

“Chronic sleep deprivation and stress weaken the immune system significantly,” Dr. Chen explained. “When you’re running on empty, your body’s ability to respond to infections is compromised. In Mr. Roberts’ case, this likely allowed the malaria parasite to gain a stronger foothold before he sought treatment.” By ignoring early symptoms—fatigue, aches, and chills—for over a week, Roberts inadvertently gave the infection time to escalate, leading to the severe symptoms that landed him in the hospital.

Roberts is now receiving IV artesunate, the first-line treatment for severe malaria, which he described as a “big gun” for eliminating the parasite. Despite the aggressive treatment, his recovery has been uneven. “I’ve had wild swings in temperature,” he told PEOPLE. “One minute I’m shivering, the next I’m sweating.” A planned on-air conversation with co-anchor Sandra Smith was canceled at the last minute when a sudden fever returned, as Roberts feared appearing on air might alarm viewers. Instead, he asked Smith to share a heartfelt message with America Reports viewers: “Take your health seriously. Don’t ignore what your body’s telling you. I’ll be back soon.”

The Fox News community has rallied around Roberts, with Smith offering emotional support on air. “John’s fighting hard, and we’re all rooting for him,” she said, echoing sentiments shared by fans on X. Trace Gallagher, filling in as co-anchor, has also been praised for his seamless support. Roberts expressed gratitude for the Inova Health team, noting, “I’m the only malaria patient here—their first case, actually—but their expertise is incredible.”

Roberts hopes to be discharged soon and return to America Reports by September 2. His experience serves as a stark reminder of malaria’s dangers and the importance of early intervention, especially for those with demanding lifestyles. “I thought I could power through,” Roberts admitted. “But your body doesn’t care how busy you are.” His message to fans is clear: prioritize health, listen to your body, and don’t let a hectic schedule delay care. As he fights to recover, Roberts’ story is a cautionary tale for anyone juggling health and a high-pressure career.