NH Governor Suffering From Bleeding Ulcer: Chief Of Staff

PORTSMOUTH, NH — New Hampshire’s governor is feeling much better after a blood transfusion at Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Friday.

Gov. Chris Sununu was admitted to the hospital after first, exhibiting flu-like symptoms that he thought might be COVID-19. He exhibited the symptoms after a state trip to Kentucky to inspect that state’s response to a surge in coronavirus cases. So, he self-isolated.

But after three negative tests, Sununu was determined to be COVID-19 free (he was vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson shot in April at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway as part of a number of mass vaccination sites). The symptoms, however, continued.

After being evaluated at the hospital, Sununu was admitted.

Chief of Staff Jayne Millerick said Friday that the governor’s symptoms were due to a bleeding ulcer.

“After blood transfusion today, he is doing much better,” she said. “He is extremely grateful to the staff at Portsmouth Hospital for their outstanding care and to everyone who donates blood. As a blood donor himself, he is happy he paid it forward and grateful to all who do the same.”

Bleeding ulcers, according to a number of online sources, cause pain to the upper abdomen area of the body and can be caused by infection or medication. Severe cases can be life-threatening with minor cases often going unnoticed for long periods of time. Bleeding ulcers are not caused by stress or diets.

State officials wished the governor a speedy recovery.

"I am hoping he has a quick and complete recovery," Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) said. "The entire Senate sends its best wishes to him, and I know people all across New Hampshire are keeping him in their prayers."

State Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy agreed.

“I am so sorry to hear that Governor Sununu has been admitted to the hospital, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Governor and his family during this time,” she said. “On behalf of myself and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, I wish Governor Sununu a complete and speedy recovery.”

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