Former Brazilian president José Sarney, 96, was admitted to hospital with pneumonia on Sunday (Sept. 13) at the UDI Hospital, run by the Rede D'Or chain, in São Luís, capital of the northeastern state of Maranhão. A medical bulletin released by the hospital on Sunday night said his clinical condition is stable. The hospitalization was reported by G1, the news portal of TV Globo, and confirmed by CNN Brasil.
The bulletin, signed by the São Luís unit of Rede D'Or, said Sarney's blood pressure is under control, that he is breathing room air without oxygen support, and that he is receiving antimicrobial drugs intravenously. The hospital gave no date for his discharge.
In a post on Instagram, the former president said he had been admitted for tests and treatment of a respiratory infection, and thanked people for their messages of support.
"My health is stable and I remain under medical care. I warmly thank all the messages, prayers and gestures of friendship I have received."
Sarney governed Brazil from 1985 to 1990 and was the first civilian president after two decades of military rule. He later served several terms as Senate president and remains one of the most influential figures in Maranhão politics.
What is confirmed and what is not yet known
The hospital bulletin confirms the pneumonia diagnosis and the stable condition. CNN Brasil reported his age as 96. The bulletin makes no mention of intensive care, does not identify the cause of the infection or any test results, and sets no discharge date. Further updates depend on new bulletins issued by the hospital.
Pneumonia among older adults
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the lungs and, according to Brazil's Health Ministry, ranks among the main causes of hospitalization of older adults in the country. In people over 60, warning signs can be subtler than in younger adults: besides fever, cough and shortness of breath, families should watch for sudden confusion, unusual drowsiness and loss of appetite. Any of these symptoms calls for medical evaluation at a clinic or emergency room. Vaccination lowers the risk: Brazil's public health system, the SUS, offers the annual flu shot from age 60, and private health plans are required by regulator ANS to cover pneumococcal vaccines for customers from that age. Checking one's vaccination record with a doctor or at a public clinic is the first step.