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| Ailing health: Nelson Mandela has been re-admitted to hospital with a recurrence of a lung infection, the South African government announced today |
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital with a recurrence of a lung infection.
The South African government said the 94-year-old was taken in shortly before midnight, but gave no further details of his condition.
President Jacob Zuma wished Mandela a speedy recovery, referring to him affectionately by his clan name, 'Madiba'.
He said: 'We appeal to the people of South Africa and the world to pray for our beloved Madiba and his family and to keep them in their thoughts.
'We have full confidence in the medical team and know that they will do everything possible to ensure recovery.'
Mr Mandela's spokesman, Mac Maharaj, said Mr Mandela was 'conscious'.
He told Sky News: 'At the moment, doctors are saying it is a recurrence of an old lung infection. It is a matter of concern.
'They are doing everything they can to keep him comfortable and happy.'
He said the last time he had seen Mr Mandela he had been frail, but in a 'good frame of mind.'
The anti-apartheid hero, who has a long history of lung problems, was released from hospital only two weeks ago after undergoing 'successful' routine medical tests 'in line with his age.'
However, it is now believed doctors had to drain his lungs as part of further treatment for his lung infection.
At the end of last year, Mr Mandela was airlifted to hospital on December 8 from his rural village in the south of the country to a hospital in Pretoria for a series of tests.
Doctors found the former president and hero of the anti-apartheid struggle had a recurrent lung infection and had developed gallstones.
He underwent surgery to remove the gallstones on December 15 and remained in hospital until December 26.
At that time, Mr Zuma had sought to calm jitters over Mr Mandela's health.
'I have been informed that at his age doctors need to intervene in a very gradual and sensitive way in order to maximise the chances of a full recovery,' he said.
'Madiba is an unparalleled fighter and has always been so. He has met all his health challenges with his tremendous fortitude and grace.'
The Nobel peace laureate has a long history of lung problems dating back decades to when he contracted tuberculosis while in jail as a political prisoner.
He was previously admitted to hospital for an acute respiratory infection in January 2011, when he was kept as an inpatient for two nights.
News of his hospitalisation had caused concern in South Africa, a nation of 50 million people that largely reveres him for being the nation's first democratically elected president who sought to bring the country together after centuries of racial division.
The chaos that followed his stay at that public hospital, with journalists and members of the public surrounding it and entering wards, saw the South African military take charge of his care and the government control the information about his health.
Under South Africa's white-minority apartheid regime, Mandela spent 27 years in prison before he was released in 1990.
He became the nation's first democratically elected president in 1994 under the banner of the African National Congress. He served one five-year term before retiring.
He is particularly susceptible to illness because of his age and his 27 years in prison, though medics said he responded well to treatment.
Medical experts have said that respiratory illnesses like pneumonia striking a man his age are a serious matter that require care and monitoring.
Mr Mandela last made a public appearance on a major stage when South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup football tournament.
Culled from dailymail.co.uk
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