US

Hillary Clinton diagnosed with pneumonia, doctor confirms

Democratic presidential candidate ‘feels better’ after appearing to collapse at 9/11 memorial

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, second from right, departs a ceremony at the September 11th memorial in New York early after becoming unwell. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/AP

Sun Sep 11 2016 - 22:59

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s doctor has said she was diagnosed on Friday with pneumonia, put on antibiotics and advised to rest and modify her campaign schedule.

Lisa Bardack said in a statement that Mrs Clinton was “recovering nicely” after attending a September 11th anniversary event in lower Manhattan.

She was seen on video appearing to struggle to stay on her feet as she got into a vehicle to leave the event on Sunday.

This file photo taken on September 11, 2001 shows a hijacked commercial plane crashing into the World Trade Center in New York. Photograph: Seth McAllister/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton flanked by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), left, and Mayor Bill de Blasio during a ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in lower Manhattan on Sunday. Photograph: Eric Thayer/The New York Times

Dr Bardack said Mrs Clinton has had a cough related to allergies, and in a follow-up examination on Friday she was diagnosed with pneumonia. The statement said Ms Clinton became overheated at the 9/11 event and dehydrated.

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Mrs Clinton later told reporters she was “feeling great” after becoming overheated at the memorial event.

She made the remarks upon leaving her daughter Chelsea’s home in Manhattan, where she was taken after departing the memorial service.

As the event began on Sunday at the site of the World Trade Center that was attacked by two hijacked airliners 15 years ago, there was patchy sunlight, with temperatures at about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 Celsius).

Democratic Representative Joe Crowley of New York, a Clinton supporter who attended the event, told MSNBC television that it was “stifling” during the ceremony.

After some US media reported she had fallen ill, reporters travelling with the candidate did not get an immediate response from the campaign to questions about her whereabouts and her health. About 90 minutes elapsed before the campaign issued a statement.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump repeatedly has raised questions about Clinton‘s health and whether she had the “stamina” to serve as president.

In December 2012, Mrs Clinton (68) suffered a concussion and shortly afterward developed a blood clot.

In a letter released by her doctor in July, Mrs Clinton was described as being in “excellent health“ and “fit to serve“ in the White House.

Mrs Clinton’s speech at a campaign rally earlier this month in Cleveland was interrupted by a coughing spell. During the speech, she quipped, “Every time I think about Trump I get allergic.” She then resumed her speech.

But the episode fueled speculation from conservative political quarters about her health. Mr Trump’s supporters have been tweeting unsubstantiated theories regarding Mrs Clinton’s health under the hashtag #HillarysHealth.

Agencies

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