Commonwealth Games athlete taken to hospital in a serious condition after contracting malaria

The Commonwealth Games have been hit with a case of malaria. Photo / Photosport

A Commonwealth Games athlete has been hospitalised after contracting malaria before the event in the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) confirmed a 23-year-old athlete was admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital yesterday, suffering from the tropical disease.

"The patient received immediate treatment for malaria on arrival at GCUH," games organisers said in a statement to the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"The patient remains admitted to GCUH in a serious condition and continues to be closely monitored."

Because of patient confidentiality, the athlete's nationality was not disclosed, but the Herald understands they are not a Kiwi.

It's understood a check has been made within the New Zealand team, with everyone accounted for and in relatively good health.

That will be a relief for the New Zealand Olympic Committee who are already having to deal with sevens player Ruby Tui suffering mumps.

It is also unlikely the athlete is from Australia as there is no locally acquired malaria in the mainland, according to games organisers.

"We have robust treatments for malaria in this country," GOLDOC said in the statement.

"Malaria is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes in some countries.

"There is no locally acquired malaria in mainland Australia."

Malaria is reportedly responsible for 900,000 deaths worldwide every year and is caused by infected mosquito bites.