Staph infection keeps Byrd hospitalized

WASHINGTON, June 1 (UPI) -- Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., hospitalized since mid-May, will remain hospitalized for the time being after he contracted a staph infection, his office said.

The office said Byrd developed a staph infection during his hospitalization for treatment of a minor infection, The Washington Post reported Monday.

"This, in turn, has delayed his departure from the hospital at this time," the statement said. "Doctors have been treating him with antibiotics for the infection and he has been responding well. There has been no additional indication as to when he will be released from the hospital."

Byrd, 91, the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, was hospitalized May 15 with what his office described as a "minor infection." Byrd has been hospitalized several times in recent years with a variety of ailments.