Make Page Six a Preferred Source Janice Dean said she’s been diagnosed with meningitis in a major setback to her health.
The former “Fox & Friends” meteorologist shared the upsetting news Monday on social media, noting that she’s never been this sick before.
“I’ve been taking a bit of a break from social media because I was diagnosed with viral meningitis,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’ve never been this sick before and it could take months to recover.”
“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,” she continued. “And all of you who prayed for me, it’s helping. Love to you all.”
Her fans and friends gave her plenty of well-wishes in the comments, including Fox News correspondent Mike Emanuel, who wrote, “Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, Janice. Take care and God Bless! 🙏🏽.”
Meningitis is an infection and swelling of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms can include headache, fever and a stiff neck.
Meningitis often needs quick treatment with antibiotics and can be fatal.
Dean, 56, announced in June that she was stepping away from “Fox & Friends” after 22 years due to a separate condition, multiple sclerosis, progressing to the point that she could no longer handle the demanding schedule.
She was first diagnosed with the autoimmune disease in 2005.
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“For a long time, I was able to handle the early mornings, the many hours on my feet, and the stress of broadcasting live,” Dean said in a video message posted to X, adding that “getting up at 2:30 in the morning” is hard “especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis.”
“Ultimately, my 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,” she continued.
Last month, she was hospitalized and told fans on Instagram that she went in for tests because she hadn’t been feeling well. A week later, she asked for prayers, though didn’t specify what was wrong.
Dean spoke to People about living with multiple sclerosis back in 2024.
“I’m still standing,” she reflected. “Better than standing. And I sometimes think I’m a better person because of the diagnosis, if that makes any sense.”
She added, “This made me realize what was important in life, like your health and your family and your support system.”
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