Kitty Dukakis Hospitalized; Doctors Refuse to Give Details

Kitty Dukakis was in an intensive-care unit Tuesday under observation for nausea and dizziness, but doctors refused to say if her ailment had any connection to previous drug or alcohol problems.

The wife of Gov. Michael S. Dukakis said she was feeling “very poorly” and had asked that details of her illness be withheld from the public, Dr. Gerald R. Plotkin said at an evening news conference.

“Kitty doesn’t want to discuss any more about her condition,” said Plotkin, the governor’s personal physician.

Dukakis, 52, was brought to Brigham and Women’s Hospital by ambulance Monday night, then underwent tests Tuesday, one year after the governor was defeated in his presidential bid.

After Dukakis was admitted, Dukakis spokeswoman Mindy Lubber said the governor’s wife was suffering flu-like symptoms.

Plotkin refused to say whether Dukakis was suffering influenza or whether her life had at any time been in danger.

“After five days at home during which Mrs. Dukakis experienced dizziness, headaches and severe nausea, she was admitted to the hospital . . . she is continuing to experience those same symptoms today,” Plotkin said.

The governor spent the entire day at his wife’s side, and canceled all appointments scheduled for today.