Topeka mayor to get pacemaker after COVID-19 damages heart
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla says she will have a pacemaker implanted on Monday because her heart was damaged by COVID-19. De La Isla was hospitalized for 12 days earlier this year because of COVID-19 issues. She credited health care workers at Stormont Vail in Topeka with saving her life. De La Isla also had minor surgery earlier this year after the virus attacked her gastrointestinal system. She has said she contracted the virus from a family member despite having worn a mask, maintaining social distancing and working from home. De La Isla is not seeking a second term as mayor.