Mink remains in intensive care unit
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink remained in the intensive care unit at Straub Clinic & Hospital last night suffering from pneumonia.
Advertiser library photo
A hospital spokeswoman yesterday would not release information on Mink's condition. Mink spokeswoman Joan Manke would not describe the seriousness of Mink's illness, except to say she has pneumonia because of the chicken pox.
U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink, 74, was admitted to the hospital Aug. 30 after she contracted chicken pox.
"We just want to make sure that people know that she is being treated," Manke said. "It's pneumonia, and I know everybody's concerned and the family is, too, so we'll just have to let it run its course."
Mink, 74, was admitted to the hospital Aug. 30 after she contracted chicken pox, Manke said.
Since being hospitalized, the virus has spread to her lungs, Manke said.
Chicken pox is caused by a virus and is commonly a childhood illness. But chicken pox is highly contagious and can pose serious health problems to the elderly.
Manke said she has not yet spoken to her boss because Mink is in quarantine. She said she did not know how long Mink will be hospitalized.
Mink is running for re-election to her rural Hawai'i congressional seat. Manke said the campaign will go on.
"We'll continue with the campaign as well as in our congressional offices. We haven't changed anything that we're doing," Manke said. "I'm sure she's wanting to get back on her feet and get back into things, so that's what we want, too."
Mink was first elected to Congress in 1964. She was out of office after losing a U.S. Senate race in 1976 but rebounded in 1983 when she was elected to the Honolulu City Council.
Mink served on the council until 1987, and in 1990 she won a bid to return to Congress.
