George Michael recovering in Vienna hospital
CBC News
Posted: Nov 30, 2011 11:11 AM ET
Last Updated: Nov 30, 2011 11:10 AM ET
George Michael, seen performing Oct. 14 in Zurich, has cancelled the rest of his Symphonica tour dates, as doctors ordered complete rest for the British singer. (Alessandro Della Bella/Keystone/Associated Press)
George Michael is recuperating in hospital after a severe bout of pneumonia that forced the British singer to cancel the remainder of his latest tour.
Doctors in Vienna said Wednesday that the singer's health is improving steadily, but emphasized that he still requires complete rest.
"We are happy to announce that Mr. Michael is improving steadily with an impressive regression of pneumonic symptoms and follows a steady rate of improvement as hoped," doctors Gottfried Locker and Christoph Zielinski said in statement.
"There are no other health issues with regards to the patient other than the underlying pneumonic disorder, and no further measures had to be taken," they added.
"Complete rest and peace and quiet are mandatory."
The 48-year-old former Wham frontman was in Vienna on Nov. 23, as part of his Symphonica tour, when he fell ill just a few hours before showtime. He was admitted to hospital and was forced to cancel the Nov. 23 show as well as subsequent concert dates. This week, he cancelled the remaining concerts on the European tour.
Since he was admitted, speculation arose that Michael could be suffering from an ailment more serious than pneumonia.
The singer's illness "evolved from a severe pneumococcal infection" and "necessitated intensive care due to its severity and extension," the doctors said.
They added that Michael, being treated at Vienna General Hospital, "is receiving exactly the same treatment as any normal patient in Austria would for this ailment."
With files from The Associated PressShare Tools
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