Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has been hospitalised for a second time this year. Here’s what we know so far

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalised for the second time this year, while he undergoes treatment for a possible bladder issue following his prostate cancer diagnosis.

The Biden administration confirmed on Sunday that the Pentagon chief had been admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Doctors said that it is unclear how long he will remain at the centre.

In an update later on Sunday night, officials confirmed that he had been placed in a critical care unit for monitoring following a number of tests. His deputy has taken over duties in the meantime.

This comes after Mr Austin faced widespread criticism in early January when it emerged that the 70-year-old had failed to disclose his cancer diagnosis – and that he was out of action for treatment – to the president and the rest of the administration for several days.

Here’s what we know so far about this latest hospital stay:

The Pentagon announced on Sunday that Mr Austin had been hospitalised for treatment of symptoms indicating a possible “emergent bladder issue”.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder said in astatement that Mr Austin was taken to hospital by his security detail at about 2.20pm on 11 February.

He added that Mr Austin was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an “emergent bladder issue”.

“The Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been notified. Additionally, White House and Congressional notifications have occurred,” the statement read.

Initially, Mr Austin retained the duties of his office and hd “traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties”.

But,in