Nelson Mandela Hospitalized for Second Lung Infection

Last night, former South African President Nelson Mandela was admitted to the hospital for a lung infection, reports BBC.

A spokesman on behalf of Mandela said he is conscious and receiving treatment.

“I think we need to be clear that the doctors are attending to Madiba [Mr. Mandela] on a continuous basis,” spokesman Mac Maharaj said. “They prefer to act on the side of caution, and the moment they felt there was a recurrence of the lung infection, they felt that it warranted immediate hospitalization given his age and his history.”

Current South African President, Jacob Zuma, released a statement wishing Mandela a speedy recovery. “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,” it read. “We have full confidence in the medical team and know that they will do everything possible to ensure recovery.”

The 94-year-old, whose health has been a concern for quite some time, was previously treated for 18 days in December for a lung infection and gallstones.

In early March, Mandela returned to the hospital for a weekend stay for a “routine checkup.” Officials said there was no cause for alarm at that time.