Mayor Rawlings-Blake Discharged From Hospital

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is recovering at home after being hospitalized late Saturday night.

Rochelle Ritchie has more on why the mayor fell ill.

Officials with the mayor's office say she has been feeling sick for some time now and that she simply pushed herself a little too hard this week.

Mayor Rawlings-Blake is out of the hospital after cutting her remarks short at the Star-Spangled Spectacular on Saturday night.

"I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this possible," the mayor said.

She gave her opening set of remarks. Shortly after that, it became difficult for her to breathe on stage. She actually cut her remarks short because it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to catch her breath."

The mayor had been suffering from bronchitis and upper respiratory issues. She was taken by ambulance to the University of Maryland Medical Center, where she underwent a series of tests.

"They wanted to make that there were no issues with her heart or stroke or anything of that nature -- all came out negative," said Kevin Harris, chief of public affairs.

Despite feeling sick, the mayor remained in high spirits.

"I said, 'Well, this is a bit extreme if you just needed some time off.' She started laughing and she said, 'I definitely pushed myself too hard. I should've given myself some time this week,'" said Harris.

In a statement, the mayor said:

"I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes during my hospital stay, as well as commend the University of Maryland Medical Center staff for their outstanding care. For the past several days, I had been struggling with a case of bronchitis and an upper respiratory infection. I pushed myself a bit too hard, given all the excitement around Star Spangled Spectacular and the tremendous opportunity the festivities presented to showcase the very best of Baltimore. After it became more difficult to catch my breath, I requested to go to the hospital for medical care. I am now home and resting comfortably. I look forward to resuming my regular schedule and serving this great city as soon as possible."

Despite feeling ill, the mayor did attend the Orioles game Sunday night against the New York Yankees.

No word yet on when the mayor will return to her public duties.

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