Pop icon Madonna has made her first public statement after a life-threatening health scare led to her being rushed to hospital and spending days in intensive care.

It came as more details emerged about the singer’s brush with death less than a fortnight ago.

Madonna had reportedly battled a low-grade fever for up to a month before found unresponsive in her New York City apartment. That has led to speculation she was suffering from sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body damages its own tissues and organs in response to an infection. Immediate treatment in hospital is vital, and close monitoring in an ICU is common.

The drug reportedly used to revive her was naloxone, which is used in the emergency treatment of opioid overdoses. No actual evidence has emerged that it was used for that reason in Madonna’s case, and neither the star nor her management has commented on the reports.

On Tuesday (Australian time), Madonna took to Instagram to thank fans for their positive energy, prayers and words of healing and encouragement since her emergency hospital admission – although she gave no more details of her illness.

“I have felt your love,” she wrote.

“I’m on the road to recovery and incredibly grateful for all the blessings in my life.”

Fans were also treated to a selfie from the star, although it’s unclear if it was taken before or after her hospital stay. The 64-year-old singer was reported to be back home and resting last Friday, after falling ill with a serious bacterial infection.

TMZ reported that Madonna’s hospitalisation came after she’d been working long days in rehearsals while ignoring symptoms such as a persistent “low-grade fever” for up to a month.

International tour postponed

While manager Guy Oseary said Madonna was expected to make a full recovery, her stay in hospital has also led to the postponement of her The Celebration Tour.

It had been due to start in Canada on Saturday, and take in 84 shows across North America and Europe.

In her Instagram statement, Madonna revealed the North American leg of the tour would be rescheduled as she continued to recover. The European tour is still expected to go ahead in October.

Madonna included a selfie in her Instagram message to fans. Photo: Instagram/Madonna

Live Nation confirmed the first leg of The Celebration Tour in North America had been postponed. Fans have been told to hold onto their tickets as they will be valid for the new dates once announced.

“My first thought when I woke up in the hospital was my children,” Madonna wrote.

“My second thought was that I did not want to disappoint anyone who bought tickets for my tour. I also didn’t want to let down the people who worked tirelessly with me over the last few months to create my show.

“I hate to disappoint anyone. My focus now is my health and getting stronger and I assure you, I’ll be back with you as soon as I can!”

Fans flooded the comment section Madonna’s post with good wishes, joining celebrity friends such as designers Donatella Versace and Jeremy Scott to offer their support.

Madonna hasn’t included Australia on her Celebration Tour. But some fans who had booked travel to North America to see her perform live were understanding of the change in plans.

“I was flying from Australia to see you in NYC … Even though I am devastated beyond belief that it’s probable now I won’t be able to fly to see the rescheduled show (unless you come to Australia) – I would rather you look after yourself and get better as a world without Madonna in it is not a cool world at all,” one fan wrote.

“Sending you lots of love and light from down under. We love you.”

Another fan added, “[I] was also travelling from Melbourne. So disappointed, but happy she is still here.”