Fernandez is stable, undergoing antibiotic treatment and will remain in the Sanatorio Otamendi clinic in Buenos Aires while more tests are carried out, according to a statement from the presidential medical unit.

The 61-year-old president entered the clinic Sunday afternoon with what was described as an infection-related fever with bacteremia, or the presence of bacteria in the blood.

The president's doctors on Monday said they had reached an initial diagnosis of sigmoiditis. They did not say how long she would remain in the hospital.

Fernandez's illness forced her to suspend a visit to Argentina by Chile's President Michelle Bachelet that had been planned for Tuesday, according to presidential spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro. The two leaders planned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of a peace treaty between both nations, and were due to hold a teleconference with Pope Francis.

Fernandez, who is approaching the final year of her presidency, has had various bouts with poor health. In mid-October, doctors told her to rest for 48 hours in order to recover from a sore throat. In January, Fernandez was treated for hip pain and sciatica, and in July she missed Independence Day celebrations due to 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. (**)

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