UPDATE: Gov. Branstad released from hospital in good condition; released at approximately 9 a.m., mild flu with dehydration cause of incident; other contributing factors, including cardiac issues and stroke, ruled out
(DES MOINES) - The Office of Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that the governor has been released from Iowa Methodist Medical Center after being admitted out of an abundance of caution due to a mild flu and dehydration. The governor was released at approximately 9 a.m. and is currently resting comfortably at the governor's residence. The governor rested last night and continued receiving intravenous fluids.
Kevin J. Cunningham, M.D., F.A.C.P., who is the governor's personal physician and saw him both last evening and this morning, stated the following:
"Today, at approximately 9 a.m., Governor Terry Branstad was discharged from the hospital in good condition and he is now resting comfortably at Terrace Hill. After seeing him both Monday evening and this morning, and personally reviewing his medical tests and records, it's my opinion as a medical professional that the incident was caused by a mild flu and dehydration. We have ruled out other contributing factors, including cardiac issues and stroke. Governor Branstad will be able to resume a normal work schedule in the near future."
The governor and lt. governor have canceled their public events for the remainder of the week to allow ample time to rest and recuperate. This includes previously scheduled events in Cedar Rapids, Charles City, Waverly and Manchester.
They plan resume their schedules on Monday, February 2, 2015.
###(DES MOINES) - The Office of Gov. Terry E. Branstad this evening released more information regarding Gov. Terry E. Branstad's condition after he fell ill at an event at DuPont Pioneer.
At approximately 12 p.m., Gov. Branstad was transported from DuPont Pioneer in Johnston, Iowa, to Iowa Methodist Medical Center via an ambulance. The governor was alert, conscious and accurately answering questions during transport.
Upon arrival, he was given intravenous fluids after doctors noted that he was dehydrated and displaying symptoms of a viral illness. Out of an abundance of caution, doctors opted to admit the governor for overnight observation, rest and hydration.
Mark Purtle, M.D., chief medical officer of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines, stated the following:
"After personally reviewing the governor's medical records, with his permission, and visiting with him and his attending physicians, we believe the governor has a viral illness with dehydration. We also conducted a series of tests in which we ruled out other contributing factors, including cardiac issues. The governor is still receiving fluids and is resting comfortably."
The governor and lt. governor have canceled all their public for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. More information regarding the remainder of their public schedules for the week will be released at a later time.
The lt. governor intends to visit her doctor on Tuesday morning out of an abundance of caution.
This will be the final update for the evening of Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. More information will be released as it becomes available.
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