President Illa suffers from 'inflammatory pathology', likely from an infection

The general director of the Vall d'Hebron hospital in Barcelona, Albert Salazar, said that all tests indicate that the Catalan president, Salvador Illa, is suffering from an "inflammatory pathology," likely due to an infection.

In an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, he said that Illa has received antibiotics and that one of the "possibilities is that the infection is in the lower-back area."

On Monday, Illa will remain at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for more tests to determine a diagnosis, locate the start of the inflammation, and detect the type of infection.

According to Salazar, the disease was detected at "an early stage," and normally, with antibiotics, it is enough to treat it.

He spent the night with "controlled" pain after doctors ruled out any major pathologies like a stroke or cancer.

Doctors will address the media on Monday afternoon with more information and a confirmed diagnosis.

"He is a healthy person, without any comorbidities, and this makes us be optimistic that the treatment will go well," Salazar told Catalunya Ràdio.

On Sunday evening, doctors announced that Illa would remain in hospital for two weeks after falling ill on Saturday while exercising.

Illa was experiencing pain and weakness in his legs, so he would stay in the hospital to undergo further testing and rehabilitation, doctors said on Sunday night.

The medical team treating Illa rejected the idea of any severe pathology and reported that he has been improving since his arrival at the medical center on Saturday.

Although Illa has expressed his desire to continue working, doctors said it will not be possible as he is currently a patient. During his leave, the presidency minister, Albert Dalmau, will serve as acting president.

Illa was born in La Roca del Vallès on May 5, 1966.