Republican US Senator Mitch McConnell on Sunday posted a photo of himself with his wife Elaine Chao in the hospital, after uncertainty about his health condition and rumors of his death spread. Notably, a recent print newspaper appeared next to him, which many social media users considered as 'proof of life.'

McConnell said in a statement that he briefly lost consciousness after a fall last month, which required him to be taken to the hospital a month ago, noting that medical tests ruled out fractures, concussion, blood clot, or heart attack.

He continued: 'My doctors confirmed I suffered no fractures or concussion. I did not have a heart attack or stroke. I have no brain tumors or bleeding. But I did briefly lose consciousness and was taken to the hospital. While receiving excellent medical care over the past weeks, I also developed a mild case of pneumonia.'

McConnell accompanied his statement with a photo showing him smiling next to his wife Elaine Chao, while holding a copy of the sports section of the Washington Post published on Sunday.

He explained that he moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center to continue regaining his strength, adding that doctors performed 'every test they could think of' to try to determine the cause of the incident.

The former Senate majority leader said he 'will not be able to return to the Senate floor for votes at this time,' but is working closely with his legislative team during his absence.

Uncertainty about his health condition

The statement came after weeks of questions about his health, as aides to the 84-year-old senator remained silent about details of his condition, sparking a wave of online speculation and rumors about his deteriorating health, according to CNN.

McConnell is a polio survivor who contracted the disease in childhood and has faced a series of health issues in recent years, including several falls. In 2023, he suddenly froze while speaking during a press conference.

McConnell also attached a note from the attending physician to Congress, stating that the injuries he sustained from his fall at his Washington, D.C. home were 'minor.'

The doctor said: 'A comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team concluded that he had no fractures, cardiac issues, stroke, tumors, or bleeding. During the first few days in the hospital, he developed pneumonia that quickly responded to antibiotic treatment.'

He added that the senator 'has focused on physical therapy and implementing strategies to reduce the risk of future falls.'

Polio symptoms

Sunday's statement provides, for the first time, an explanation of the circumstances surrounding McConnell's hospitalization on June 14, an incident whose details remained unclear for weeks, according to CNN.

McConnell addressed the reason for his delay in disclosing the circumstances of his hospitalization, saying to Kentucky residents: 'You know that people of my generation often hesitate to show the signs of weakness that come with aging. Even as a public figure, I feel this same tendency and cannot shake it.'

He affirmed that he has work to do before retiring at the end of his term in January, saying: 'You have the right to expect your representatives to work hard for you. Part of my decision to retire at the end of my term was acknowledging the demands of serving in the Senate. But I still have unfinished work on your behalf, and I am determined to complete the task you elected me for.'

When the incident occurred, his spokesperson simply said McConnell 'was admitted to the hospital and is receiving excellent care,' without providing additional details.

Last week, CNN obtained video footage showing emergency crews transporting McConnell on a stretcher to an ambulance after being called to his home.

After weeks of his absence, an audio recording of emergency services released by an independent journalist revealed the call was about an 'unconscious' person with suspected 'cardiac arrest,' with a paramedic heard saying: 'He is receiving CPR.'

Following the release of the recording, his spokesperson issued a new statement confirming that the Republican senator from Kentucky was still in the hospital and continuing to recover, without providing further details.

In March 2023, he suffered a concussion and broken ribs after a fall, then froze mid-speech during a press conference months later. CNN also reported that he had two other falls that year.

The attending physician to Congress noted that McConnell 'has experienced multiple falls over the year, attributed to complications from post-polio syndrome.'

Adults who had polio in childhood can develop 'post-polio syndrome' decades after recovery. Symptoms include progressive muscle weakness, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. There is no specific treatment for this syndrome, but patients may benefit from physical, occupational, or speech therapy, along with medications to alleviate some symptoms or mobility aids such as walkers and braces.