Mayor Curtatone Released From Hospital

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph Curtatone was released from the hospital, days after his office announced he was diagnosed with a "severe" case of shingles. Curtatone announced he was headed home on Twitter Friday and thanked the Cambridge Health Alliance staff.

He is not expected to attend public events or work from his office at City Hall in the coming weeks, his office said earlier this week.

The illness, which is the same as the chickenpox virus and affects nearly one-third of adults in their lifetime, is not life-threatening. In rare cases, such as the one afflicting Curtatone, the inner ear and facial nerves are affected.

The mayor remains in touch with staff and will likely be able to resume work remotely in the next few days, according to his office.

"Though he is no longer contagious, due to the impact on his inner ear, which controls balance, it is expected that Mayor Curtatone's usually busy schedule could be impacted for several weeks," a city spokesperson said in a statement. "Of course, should his recovery go more quickly, he will return to his full schedule sooner."

Curtatone will wear an eye patch while he resumes his public duties. The process to a full recovery is expected to span the coming months, according to his office.

Previously: Somerville Mayor Hospitalized With 'Severe' Shingles Virus

Top photo via Mayor Joseph Curtatone Facebook