Former Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean has revealed another devastating health setback, announcing Monday that she has been diagnosed with viral meningitis while continuing her yearslong battle with multiple sclerosis.
Dean, 56, shared the diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post on Nov. 9, explaining why she had recently stepped away from social media.
The longtime Fox & Friends personality said the illness has left her seriously weakened and could require months of recovery.
“I’ve been taking a bit of a break from social media because I was diagnosed with viral meningitis,” Dean wrote. “I’ve never been this sick before and it could take months to recover.”
The announcement comes just months after Dean departed Fox News following more than two decades with the network, citing worsening symptoms from her ongoing battle with MS.
Despite the latest diagnosis, Dean expressed gratitude for the people helping her through the difficult ordeal.
“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,” she said. “Love to you all.”
Viral meningitis causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms can include severe headaches, fever, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
Although many people recover from viral meningitis without lasting complications, some cases can cause serious illness and require hospitalization.
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For Dean, the diagnosis follows a particularly difficult stretch that began in October, when she reported repeatedly seeking hospital care after developing severe physical symptoms.
In a previous Substack post, the television personality described experiencing intense pain in her legs and feet, along with exhaustion that made walking difficult.
“It started with achy painful legs and feet, exhaustion and an overall feeling of being unwell. My kids had little colds that they quickly got over, and perhaps I caught what they had, but as someone who lives with an auto-immune disease, a little bug can turn into a monster,” Dean wrote.
“Every time I get sick I always worry that my MS will get worse.”
Dean was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005 and has spent more than two decades managing the chronic neurological disease.
MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective coating surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
The resulting damage can interfere with communication between the brain and body, potentially causing weakness, numbness, vision problems and difficulties with coordination.
Dean has spoken candidly about the physical and emotional challenges of living with the condition, particularly while maintaining a demanding television career.
In July, she announced that she was leaving Fox & Friends after more than 20 years as the program’s meteorologist.
The decision followed increasing difficulties managing her symptoms, including sleep disruptions, fatigue and stress.
In a farewell message, Dean explained that the disease can cause significant internal damage even when patients appear healthy.
“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.”
Dean said she had received treatment throughout her MS journey, but the progression of her symptoms eventually made continuing her television responsibilities impossible.
“Ultimately, my symptoms progressed to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role,” she said. “My doctors agreed that stepping away was necessary for my health.”
Her latest diagnosis presents another challenge as she continues focusing on her recovery and spending time with her family.
Dean has not announced when she expects to recover fully from viral meningitis or whether the infection has caused any lasting complications.
For now, the former Fox News personality is relying on medical care, family support and the prayers of those following her health journey.
