The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advice for 20 countries in response to the Zika virus outbreak.

People are being advised to be aware of the risks and to take approprare precautions if travelling to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant should postpone travel to affected areas.

The World Health Organisation is to meet on Monday to decide if the Zika virus outbreak should be declared an international emergency.

It is carried by mosquitos, and has been linked to more than 4,000 babies with brain deformities in Brazil.

W-H-O Director General, Margaret Chan says it's now "spreading explosively" in the Americas: “The level of concern is high as level of uncertainty.

“We need to get some answers quickly, I have decided to convene an emergency committee, under the International health regulations.”