Washington, Feb. 11 -- US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin was taken to a hospital on Sunday afternoon after "symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue," Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said in an official statement.

According to the official statement, the top defence official was taken to the hospital by his security to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at 2.20 pm (local time).

"Today, at approximately 2:20 pm, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue," the statement read.

The Pentagon said the Deputy Secretary of Defence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs ...