Bolsonaro hospitalized in intensive care unit with pneumonia

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was hospitalized Friday in an intensive care unit with pneumonia, marking the latest health issue for the 70-year-old.

Bolsonaro's eldest son Flávio Bolsonaro said earlier Friday that his father was being transferred from prison to a hospital after waking up with chills and vomiting.

One of the former leader's doctors, Brasil Caiado, described the 70-year-old’s medical situation as serious.

“Pneumonia in patients over 70 is always serious because it can progress to septicemia, since the bacteria can normally enter the bloodstream and cause an even more severe condition,” Caiado told reporters.

The hospital in Brasilia said Bolsonaro was admitted after experiencing high fever, low oxygen, sweating and chills, according to the Associated Press.

“He is currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit, receiving IV antibiotics and non-invasive clinical support,” the hospital said.

The hospitalization comes as Jair Bolsonaro serves a 27-year prison sentence after the country's Supreme Court ruled last year that he committed organized crime and attempted a coup to remain in power after he lost the 2022 election. The former leader has denied the accusations.