Nelson Mandela ‘responds to treatment’ for lung infection

JOHANNESBURG - Agence France-Presse

Former President Mandela had longstanding lung problems. AFP photo

Nelson Mandela has a lung infection but is responding to treatment, the South African government said yesterday, as the revered anti-apartheid icon spent his fourth day in hospital.

“Doctors have concluded the tests, and these have revealed a recurrence of a previous lung infection, for which Madiba is receiving appropriate treatment, and he is responding to the treatment,” said a statement from President Jacob Zuma’s office. Mandela’s grand-daughter Ndileka told local television that the man affectionately known by South Africans as Madiba has taken to accept his condition.

The news eased days of speculation about the health of the aging statesman being treated in a Pretoria military hospital. But medical experts warned that for a 94-year-old, any hint of an infection can be serious. Officials say he does not face immediate danger.