20 Canadians, one pregnant woman included, have tested positive for the Zika virus, officials say

According to the statement of Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Gregory Taylor, 20 Canadians are currently infected with the Zika virus. All of them have recently visited countries with Zika outbreaks. Among them, one pregnant woman.

"We are aware of one [pregnant woman] in Canada at this time. There may be more but we're not aware of that," he added.

According to official forecasts, three million Canadians are expected to travel to Zika-risk countries in 2016, therefore the number of cases is also expected to rise in the near future.

The Zika virus – what you must know

The Zika virus is carried and transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Because it can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus, it is believed to be the main cause of microcephaly in newborns, which translates into an abnormal head size associated with an incomplete brain development.

The virus has also been reported to spread through blood transfusion or sexual contact, but the mechanism is not yet completely explained. Though not everybody experiences symptoms, the incubation period of the virus is considered to be 3 to 12 days from infection.

When travelling to affected areas, wear protective clothing, use mosquito nets and repellents to protect yourself from being bitten.

If you experience symptoms such as rash, joint pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, conjunctivitis, muscle weakness, limb numbness immediately go see a physician for proper assessments.