In a remarkable story of survival, Fox News Channel correspondent John Roberts revealed on X that he recently battled malaria, a disease long considered deadly in much of the world. The veteran journalist spent nearly a week in the hospital before emerging victorious, highlighting both the seriousness of the illness and the life-saving care he received.

Roberts shared the news on Sunday, August 31, posting that he had spent “5 days and 6 nights at Inova Fairfax” fighting the disease, contracted from a mosquito bite. Despite malaria’s global lethality — killing roughly 600,000 people a year, mostly in developing nations — Roberts’ account serves as a reminder that vigilance, prompt medical care, and expert guidance can save lives.

Grateful for the team that helped him through the ordeal, Roberts began by praising his doctors, whom he called “not only superb physicians, but dear friends and tenacious advocates as well.” He singled out Drs. Mahsa and Behnam Tehrani, pulmonologist Matt Williams, and the countless nurses and technicians who supported him through the treatment process, naming Genevieve, Claire, Lauren, Daniel, Yvonne, Anar, and Raysa — the latter of whom famously succeeded in finding a viable IV vein when others had failed.

Roberts also gave special recognition to his wife, Kyra Phillips, for going above and beyond in locating a global malaria expert in Malawi, Dr. Doug Postels, who provided crucial guidance throughout his recovery. “Most of all — thank you to my beloved wife @KyraPhillips, who found global malaria expert Dr Doug Postels in Malawi who served as a guiding hand through all of this,” Roberts wrote, underscoring the role family and determination play in overcoming life-threatening challenges.

Reflecting on his illness, Roberts described malaria as “an awful disease that needs to be attacked full-force when a diagnosis is made.” He recounted how he went from being so sick “that any dog would take pity on me” to feeling well enough to enjoy a quiet holiday weekend. With a sense of humor, he added that he might soon be “ready to fire up the grill on Labor Day (well, maybe ready to watch the grill bring fired up).”

Roberts closed his post with a message of gratitude and a warning to his followers. “Again, my most heartfelt thanks, and I look forward to getting back in the saddle. Just stay away from these little effers…,” he wrote, accompanying the post with a photo of a mosquito — the tiny but deadly creature that caused his ordeal.

Conservatives have praised Roberts’ story not just as a human-interest tale, but as an example of personal responsibility, family support, and the effectiveness of America’s medical system. In a world where many face deadly diseases without access to quality care, Roberts’ survival highlights the value of timely medical intervention, expert guidance, and the power of loved ones advocating on your behalf.

For John Roberts, malaria may have been a near-death experience, but with courage, support, and America’s best healthcare professionals on his side, he emerged ready to return to life, work, and, eventually, the backyard grill.