South African leaders say anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela continues to recover after being hospitalized for a recurring lung infection.
President Jacob Zuma said Thursday the 94-year-old Mr. Mandela is doing "very well," telling the BBC that South Africans "must not panic."
An earlier statement by the presidency said the former South African president is "responding positively" to treatment. It said he remains under treatment and observation.
Mr. Mandela was taken to an unidentified hospital late Wednesday. The Nobel laureate was hospitalized for three weeks in December with another lung infection and gallstones.
U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday he is "deeply concerned" about the health of Mr. Mandela, who he called an inspiration and a hero.