Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ELTON ELTON’S FIGHT FOR LIFE IN BUG TERROR
Star, 70, in intensive care battle after ‘rare & deadly’ infection
ELTON John cheated death after spending two nights in intensive care battling a “rare and potentially deadly” bacterial infection. The singer, 70, became “violently ill” on a flight after a show in Chile earlier this month and was rushed to hospital. Elton said: “I am extremely grateful to
the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well. I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologise for disappointing them.” The star is understood to have spent around 12 days in hospital including his time in intensive care. He has cancelled tour dates including his long-standing residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Last night his spokesman said: “During a recent, successful tour of South America, Elton contracted a harmful and unusual bacterial infection. “During his return flight home from Santiago, Chile, he became violently ill. “Upon returning to the UK, Elton’s doctors admitted him to hospital, where he underwent immediate treatment to remove the infection. “After spending two nights in intensive care followed by an extended stay in hospital, Elton was released from hospital on Saturday, April 22, and
He is expected to make a full and complete recovery ELTON SPOKESMAN YESTERDAY
is now comfortably resting at home per doctors’ advice. Infections of this nature are rare and potentially deadly. Thankfully, Elton’s medical team identified this quickly and treated it successfully. “He is expected to make a full and complete recovery. Elton will be returning to his schedule of live performances on June 3. “Elton John, Caesars Palace and AEG apologise for any inconvenience this causes ticket holders.” Elton is one of the showbiz world’s hardest and most prolific workers. The drama comes after he postponed a Dubai concert in December citing ill health. Elton was due to play at Dubai’s Autism Rock Arena on December 15. But following an examination, he decided to push back the performance after being diagnosed with flu. He said at the time: “Please accept my apologies and come enjoy the show next month.”