Veteran meteorologist Janice Dean, known for her long tenure on Fox & Friends, has recently shared news of her health struggles after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. The 56-year-old disclosed this concerning information on her social media platforms, revealing that her illness has left her feeling extremely unwell and could take several months for her to fully recover.
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In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dean explained, “I’ve been taking a bit of a break from social media because I was diagnosed with viral meningitis. I’ve never been this sick before and it could take months to recover.” She expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from medical professionals, friends, neighbours, and her family during this difficult time. “Love to you all,” she added, thanking those who have prayed for her.
Meningitis is a serious condition that leads to inflammation and infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can spread through close contact with an infected individual, such as via respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing. The Cleveland Clinic lists various symptoms associated with meningitis, including fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Without proper treatment, the infection can escalate into life-threatening situations, potentially resulting in seizures, vision or hearing loss, and even sepsis.
Dean’s recent health crisis follows a series of challenges she faced in October, where she described her condition as being “knocked off [her] feet.” In a previous update, she detailed experiencing severe leg pain that subsequently hindered her mobility. She recounted, “It started with achy painful legs and feet, exhaustion, and an overall feeling of being unwell.” Dean speculated that her children’s minor colds could have contributed to her illness. However, she noted that as someone with an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis (MS), even a simple bug can develop into a more significant health concern.
The former Fox & Friends meteorologist has lived with multiple sclerosis since her diagnosis in 2005. MS is a progressive disease that impairs the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibres in the central nervous system, leading to a range of complications such as muscle weakness, visual disturbances, and cognitive challenges. Despite managing her condition for nearly two decades with various treatments, Dean highlighted the increasing difficulty of balancing her career with her health needs.
In July, Dean made the poignant decision to step away from her role at Fox & Friends after more than 20 years. Acknowledging the progression of her MS symptoms, she shared a video on social media to explain her situation. “For those living with MS, the war is inside of us. We may look fine, but our immune system is attacking the brain, the spinal cord, and sometimes, the optic nerve. We’re left with permanent scars, but ones you can only see on MRI imaging,” she lamented.
Dean also underscored the importance of early diagnosis and the various therapies she has explored in her health journey. Nevertheless, her advancing symptoms eventually forced her to consider her long-term health implications. She stated, “Ultimately, my symptoms progressed to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role.” Her medical team agreed that prioritising her health was imperative to her recovery.
The outpouring of support from her followers and the public highlights Dean’s significant role in the lives of her audience over the years, marked by both her professional achievements and personal resilience. As she navigates this challenging period of illness, her story serves as a reminder of the often unseen battles that accompany chronic health conditions.
Moving forward, Dean’s focus will primarily be on her recovery and managing her health. It is hoped that with proper care, patience, and support, she may eventually regain her strength and return to her beloved meteorology work. Despite the setbacks, her determination and positivity continue to inspire many who follow her journey.
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