Doctors in Houston, Texas say former president George H.W. Bush's condition has worsened.

The 88-year-old Mr. Bush is in a hospital battling what doctors call a “stubborn fever.” The former president entered the hospital last month with a severe cough.

A Bush family spokesman says he is in “guarded” condition.

Mr. Bush served one term as U.S. president from 1989 until 1993, after spending eight years as Ronald Reagan's vice president. He led the international coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait in 1991.

He is the father of the 43rd president, George W. Bush.