MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Cristina Fernandez on 48 hours medical rest because of pharyngitis

Cristina Fernandez was last seen in public Thursday night after the launching of Argentina's first domestically built communications satellite.

Doctors on Friday instructed Argentine President Cristina Fernandez to rest for 48 hours in order to recover from a sore throat. Argentina's presidency said in a statement that the 61-year-old leader is suffering from pharyngitis and had to suspend a public event scheduled for later in the day in order to get some rest.

It's the latest health issue of a long list, to sideline Fernandez.

In January, she was treated for hip pain and sciatica, and in July she missed Independence Day celebrations to continue recovering from an acute throat infection. Last year, she underwent head surgery to remove a blood clot. A 40-day period between December and January when Fernandez went silent from public comments caused concern over her condition.

Cristina Fernandez was last seen in public Thursday night after the launching of Argentina's first domestically built communications satellite.

Oscar Parrilli, head of the Presidency General-Secretariat made the announcement on Friday reading a brief communiqué from the medical team.

In his daily morning briefing to the press, Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich denied media versions about President Cristina Fernandez overall health condition saying the 61-year-old leader was “very active” in her everyday activities.

“The President is in extraordinary good health, very active in the daily work,” Capitanich told reporters when queried about allegations that said Ms. Kirchner was even going to undergo some medical checkups.

“The health of the President must be informed by the presidential spokesman but I can assure it is ok,” the head of ministers insisted.