Canadian swimmer Pierse has dengue fever

Canadian swimmer Annamay Pierse has revealed she's been battling a case of dengue fever since returning from this month's Commonwealth Games.

"It was confirmed today that the illness incurred following my return from the Commonwealth Games in India was in fact dengue fever," Pierse said Friday. "I'm thankful for all of the continued help offered from our medical team and I'm confident that I will recover quickly."

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that causes a high fever and a lack of energy.

Indian officials took precautions, spraying the athletes village and venues during the Commonwealth Games to reduce the risk for athletes.

Pierse, who set the world record in the 200-metre breaststroke in 2009, had a disappointing meet in her individual races in Delhi. She finished fifth in both the 200 and 100 breaststroke finals.

The Edmonton native was able to take a spot on the podium as part of Canada's 100-metre medley relay team, which won bronze.

Pierse hopes to recover enough to begin training for the FINA short course championships, which begin Dec. 15 in Dubai.

Dr. Navin Prasad, the chief medical officer for the Canadian team at the Games, told CBC that there is also a confirmed case of typhoid fever on the Canadian team.

"She hasn't given us full release in consent, but it's a female athlete in track and field," he told reporters. "She is recovering."

Prasad said that it was likely that the athlete contracted it during her stay at the athletes village, as she was already showing symptoms while there.

The disease can be contracted through drinking water, food and toilets. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and dehydration.