Ex-Fox News Star Janice Dean Hit With New Health Crisis After Retiring Due to MS

Former Fox & Friends meteorologist Janice Dean is facing a new health battle just months after stepping away from the network after 22 years due to her multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.

Dean took to Instagram on Monday (November 9) to announce that she’s been taking a break from social media after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. “I’ve been taking a bit of a break from social media because I was diagnosed with viral meningitis,” she wrote. “I’ve never been this sick before and it could take months to recover.”

She continued, “Grateful to all the doctors, nurses, teachers (at my kid’s school), neighbors who have helped out, friends who have checked in and my family for taking good care of me. And all of you who prayed for me, it’s helping. Love to you all.”

“Viral meningitis is an inflammation of your meninges (area around your brain and spinal cord) caused by a virus,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, and mental changes. It can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Fans and friends jumped into the comments to send their well wishes, including Fox News correspondent Mike Emanuel, who wrote, “Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, Janice. Take care and God Bless.”

Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum added, “Get well soon Janice!”

“Oh, Janice, I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m praying you recover quickly,” one fan added.

“Praying for you for good health and full recovery,” said another.

Dean said goodbye to Fox News back in July after announcing she’d be retiring from her role as meteorologist. She explained that the early mornings, physical demands, and stress of live broadcasting had become too challenging with her MS symptoms.

In her retirement announcement, Dean described those living with MS as battling a “war that’s inside of us,” adding, “We may look fine, but our immune system is attacking the brain, the spinal cord, and sometimes the optic nerve. We are left with permanent scars, but ones you can only see on MRI imaging.”

While she was diagnosed early, Dean noted there is no cure for MS and over time her symptoms progressed “to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role, and my doctors agreed that stepping away was necessary for my health.”