Governor’s Office spokesman Jimmy Centers has released the following update on Gov. Branstad’s condition following a medical scare during a stop at the DuPont Pioneer facility in Johnston:
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 (Iowa Methodist Medical Center), 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 events for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. More information regarding the remainder of their public schedules for the week will be released at a later time.
Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds intends to visit her doctor on Tuesday morning out of an abundance of caution.
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