George H.W. Bush in intensive care in Texas hospital

Published on 27/12/2012 14:54

GEORGE H.W. Bush, the former US President, is in intensive care at a Texas hospital suffering from an ‘elevated’ fever.

The 41st President was admitted to the ICU at Houston’s Methodist Hospital on Sunday, and is reported to be alert and talking.

Bush, the father of George W. Bush, has been in hospital since late November, after being in and out of care for bronchitis. Bush Sr. also suffers from lower body parkinsonism.

Doctors at Methodist are believed to be optimistic that Bush’s condition will improve. His spokesman said that the former President remains “in guarded condition” and is “surrounded by family”.

Bush is the oldest living former president, four months older than fellow 88-year-old Jimmy Carter. His term in charge of the US saw the first Gulf War, as well as the fall of the Berlin Wall, and at one point held an 89% approval rating. He lost his re-election bid to Bill Clinton in 1992.