Tracy Vo reveals the rare health condition behind her decision to quit Today

‘There are so many unknowns at the moment’: Ex-Today newsreader Tracy Vo reveals the rare health condition behind her decision to stay in Perth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Newsreader Tracy Vo has spoken about her father’s health condition that forced her to make the tough decision to quit the Today show.

The Vietnamese-Australian journalist, 37, has relocated from Sydney to Perth to care for her elderly parents during the coronavirus pandemic.

She was particularly worried about her 64-year-old father, whom she affectionately calls ‘Pa Vo’, because he has a rare autoimmune disease called Morvan’s syndrome.

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‘He needs extra precautions’: Newsreader Tracy Vo has spoken about her father’s health condition that forced her to make the tough decision to quit the Today show

Tracy told 9Now: ‘Despite the fact he’s quite young, dad falls into the vulnerable category. He has had some aches and pains last week, but doctors are keeping a good eye on him.

‘We’re not trying to be alarmist – but the GP has written a letter saying he needs extra precautions. 

‘He needs infusions every month, to keep up his white blood cells and we’re having to isolate both mum and dad in case they get [COVID-19].’

Tracy said she wanted to be in the same city as her family to ‘keep an eye on everything’ until the global health crisis is over.

She added: ‘There is so many unknowns at the moment, for me and many other Australians, the main thing for me is to be with family.’

Family first: The Vietnamese-Australian journalist, 37, has relocated from Sydney to Perth to care for her elderly parents during the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured at home on Tuesday

Family first: The Vietnamese-Australian journalist, 37, has relocated from Sydney to Perth to care for her elderly parents during the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured at home on Tuesday

What is Morvan’s syndrome?

Morvan’s syndrome is a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease. It is named after the nineteenth century French physician Augustin Marie Morvan.

The disease is characterised by muscle weakness and fatigue, neuromyotonia (muscle twitching), excessive sweating, joint pain, itching, insomnia and weight loss.

Approximately 90 per cent of cases go into remission, while the other 10 per cent of cases lead to death.