DOT's Mineta Sidelined by Illness

Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta is undergoing treatment for a staph infection and will later undergo back surgery, the Department of Transportation said.

As a result, he is expected to resume his duties at DOT "late next month," a DOT press statement said.

The text of the announcement follows:

"In August 2002, Secretary Mineta underwent a surgical procedure at Walter Reed Army Medical Center intended to relieve persistent back pain.

"Following a trip to visit Coast Guard members at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba over Thanksgiving, the pain reappeared and the secretary returned to Walter Reed. Further tests revealed that a 'staph infection' had developed. Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, is also contributing to his discomfort.

Doctors ordered the secretary to bed to rest his back and to treat the staph infection, which has gradually and steadily been responding to antibiotics. Once the infection is treated, he will undergo a surgical procedure to counteract the scoliosis.

Throughout this period, the secretary has been continuously and fully engaged in the operation of the department via daily personal meetings with senior staff, daily briefings, and telecommuting via phone and computer links.

His prognosis is very good and he expects to resume office duties late next month."

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