Apparently, Ward 8 Councilmember Marion S. Barry Jr. is doing a better job of keeping his frequent hospital stays out of the press. According to a statement from his office, Barry has been recuperating from pneumonia “for several days” in “an area hospital.”

No reason was given for the release, but LL suspects someone in the media finally learned of his recent illness.

Over the last few years, Barry has been hospitalized on several occasions, visits he described as related to hypertension and diabetes. The timing of his last publicly disclosed hospitalization last Janurary drew a throng of reporters when he was released from Howard University Hospital. During that stay for health problems related to his diabetes, he checked himself in shortly after news of his positive test for cocaine was reported.

The press release on Barry’s health follows:

WARD 8 COUNCILMEMBER MARION BARRY RECUPERATING RAPIDLY.

(Washington, DC) Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry is rapidly recuperating from a mild case of pneumonia in an area hospital. After several days of extreme cold-like symptoms, the Councilmember checked himself into the hospital earlier this week as a precaution. Barry delayed informing the media because he wanted to maintain his privacy. “I feel much better, Barry said, “my health is my number one concern and I look forward to returning to work for the people of ward 8 when fully recovered, he explained.”

Keith Andrew Perry, Barry’s Chief of Staff said there would be no further comment.