Sen. Byrd released from hospital

Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) was released from the hospital Thursday following a 48-hour stay for observation.

Byrd was taken to the hospital Tuesday after a fall at his Northern Virginia home.

The longest-serving senator in U.S. history was treated for a spike in his white blood-cell count, as a precaution against infection. A staph infection caused the senator to be hospitalized for several months this past spring.

A statement from Byrd's office said the senator will continue receiving antibiotic treatments and recover at his home.

The statement quoted Byrd, 91, saying he is "looking forward to engaging in the upcoming debate and votes on healthcare reform — one of the most critical issues facing this Congress."

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