The current outbreak of the Zika virus across Central and South America has prompted an international response in the form of travel advice to 20 countries.
The virus is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a species commonly found throughout the Americas. About one in five people infected will develop Zika Fever, which is a minor illness causing fever and a rash.
However, if the infected subject is a pregnant woman, there is a potential risk for serious congenital malformations, as there could be mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Nearly three thousand cases of newborn microcephaly were reported across Brazil last year, in comparison to less than two hundred in the two previous years, before the onset of the outbreak.
The Dept. of Foreign Affairs has now issued a warning informing people of the risks, particularly for pregnant women, if they intend to travel to affected areas.