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 appropriate 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.
Travelling to South America, Central America or the Caribbean? Read up on #Zika https://t.co/4InqstcCFU
— HPSC (@hpscireland) January 28, 2016
The World Health Organisation is to meet on Monday to decide if the Zika virus outbreak should be declared an international emergency.
Read Dr. Etienne's Statement on #ZikaVirus in the #Americas @WHO's #EB138 https://t.co/CILY7N3Qdm #Zika #FightAedes pic.twitter.com/nnw09wK3A8
— PAHO/WHO (@pahowho) January 28, 2016
It's carried by mosquitos, and has been linked to more than 4-thousand babies with brain deformities in Brazil.
W-H-O Director General, Margaret Chan says it's now "spreading explosively" in the Americas:
