Apple CEO Steve Jobs will be taking a leave of absence for medical reasons until the end of June. Jobs, wrote an email to his colleagues today informing them of the situation, announcing Tim Cook in charge of Apple’s day to day operations,  and stating that as CEO, he still remains involved in major strategic decisions. Jobs’ weight loss sparked fears and market repercussions before he quickly put an end to rumors that he was fatally ill, explaining that he had a hormone imbalance earlier this year.

Apple shares closed down $2.38 to $85.33 in Wednesday trading.

The original email follows:

Team,

I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.

In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple’s day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.

I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.

Steve