Infectious mononucleosis (IM; also known as EBV infectious mononucleosis,Pfeiffer's disease, Filatov's disease, and sometimes colloquially as the kissing disease from its oral transmission or simply as mono in North America and as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries) is an infectious, widespread viral diseasecaused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), one type of herpes virus, to which more than 90% of adults have been exposed. Occasionally, the symptoms can recur at a later period. Most people are exposed to the virus as children, when the disease produces no noticeable or only flu-like symptoms.
The 20-year-old reached the third round of the Australian Open in January but has struggled for form this season and lost in the first round of the recent tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
After her defeat by Ayumi Morita in Miami - in a match she had led comfortably - Watson declared she needed a break from tennis, although she quickly retracted the statement and said she had simply been disappointed at losing the match.
However, she headed home to Guernsey and pulled out of this week's tournament in Charleston, and blood tests have confirmed Watson is suffering from glandular fever.
"There is no prescription for this other than complete rest but the good news is that the doctors have told me I am at the tail-end of the fever. This means I have been trying to compete through the symptoms for some time."
Glandular fever is reasonably common in tennis players. Roger Federer suffered from it in 2008 while Justine Henin and Andy Roddick also got through it and resumed their careers relatively quickly.
But others have not been so fortunate. Mario Ancic was never the same player after contracting the disease while two-time French Open finalist Robin Soderling admits it may have ended his career at 26.
"I am actually relieved to know what is wrong so that I can get myself on the mend. I hope to recover as soon as possible by resting my body and getting lots of sleep.
When Watson returns will depend on her recovery but it now seems very unlikely she will be available for Great Britain's Fed Cup tie in Argentina later this month.
The world number 40's absence would be a major blow for Judy Murray's team as they aim for promotion to World Group II.
Iain Bates, head of women's tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association, said: "First of all, get well soon, Heather, from the whole team.
"We all know she'll bounce back better than ever. Heather's focus will be on her recovery and we will do whatever we can to support Heather and help that process."
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