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George H.W. Bush remains hospitalized; doctors 'very pleased' with progress, spokesman says

Former President George H.W. Bush continued to recover Wednesday, more than a week after he was hospitalized in Texas for an infection that spread to his blood, a family spokesman said.

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Update May 2, 2018 9:15 AM MDT: Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath said Wednesday that the former president continued to regain his strength and that "his doctors are very pleased with his progress."

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Bush was first hospitalized April 22, one day after mourners gathered for the funeral of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush. McGrath said doctors determined Bush had an infection that spread to his blood. He was initially put in the intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital. He was moved to a regular patient bed last week.

Update Apr 30, 2018 12:35 PM MDT: Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath said Monday that the president is continuing to gain strength.

"(Bush) is in great spirits and is looking forward to going home soon," he said.

Update Apr 27, 2018 8:41 AM MDT: Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement Friday that Bush will be held at Houston Methodist Hospital "to continue his recovery and gaining strength."

"(Bush) is in excellent spirits, and is looking forward to resuming his schedule and going to Maine next month," McGrath said.

Bush was hospitalized Sunday, one day after mourners gathered for the funeral of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush. McGrath said doctors determined Bush had an infection that spread to his blood.

He was admitted to the intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital, but he had been moved to a regular patient room by Wednesday.

Update Apr 25, 2018 12:43 PM MDT: Family spokesman Jim McGrath said Bush was "alert and talking with hospital staff, family and friends" by Wednesday. He was first hospitalized one day after the funeral of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.

McGrath said Bush "is expected to continue his recovery there for several more days."

The former president thanked several people earlier Wednesday for their "professional and obvious care in making Barbara's visitors and funeral guests feel so welcomed."

Original report: Jim McGrath says on Twitter that the 93-year-old Bush is "responding to treatments and appears to be recovering." He says he was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital Sunday morning after an infection spread to his blood.

Barbara Bush was laid to rest Saturday in a ceremony attended by her husband and former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and their wives, along with current first lady Melania Trump.

George Bush has a form of Parkinson's disease and uses a motorized scooter or wheelchair to get around.

George Bush was the youngest naval aviator when he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1943, spurred by the attack on Pearl Harbor.

He flew 58 combat missions during World War II, including one that required he be rescued by a submarine after his plane was hit by Japanese anti-aircraft fire.

For his bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

It was while he was enlisted that he first met Barbara Bush, then a student at Smith College. The couple were married in Jan. 6, 1945, making theirs the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history.

The couple had six children: George W., Robin, John (known as Jeb), Neil, Marvin and Dorothy. Robin died as a child. George W. Bush served two terms as president from 2001 to 2009. Jeb Bush ran for the Republican nomination in the run-up to November's election, but lost his bid to President-elect Donald Trump.

Following in the footsteps of his father, U.S. Sen. Prescott Bush (R-Connecticut), George Bush launched a career in politics in 1963 after settling with his family in Texas. He served as a congressman, CIA director and Ronald Reagan's vice president.

In 1989, became the first sitting vice president to secure the presidency since 1837.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.