WHO said in Thursday's special session that it will convene an expert group on Monday to discuss whether to declare a public health emergency.

The World Health Organisation said on Thursday that Zika is "spreading explosively" in the Americas and the region may see up to four million cases. The Culex is 20 times as numerous as the Aedes aegypti, and exists in the Americas, Africa and Asia.

Air Canada says it is allowing passengers and companions in their immediate family to change bookings or receive a refund if they cancel flights because of concerns about the Zika virus outbreak.

The mosquito-borne Zika virus is drawing global attention due to its rapid spread and possible connection to a rare neurological birth defect.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there have not been any locally transmitted Zika cases reported in the United States, but there have been cases reported in returning travelers.

World Health Organization director general Margaret Chan has said that "the level of alarm is extremely high", speaking about the spread of Zika.

Because Zika virus is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitos, there is very limited chance of local transmission in NY during the winter. All vacationers to countries where evidence of the virus has been found should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites such as wearing long sleeves and using bug repellent and mosquito nets.

The virus is suspected of causing birth defects, including microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with small heads and can cause long-term developmental problems. "There is a need for greater awareness amongst community", the health minister said.

"The earlier in pregnancy a woman becomes infected the more impact it's going to have on the developing fetal brain", said Grant.

In one case, the virus was spread either through sexual contact or a blood transfusion, she said.

The majority of people who get the virus won't get sick, but symptoms can include a fever, rash, and joint pain.