The Zika virus has caught authorities off-guard.
Cases of the mosquito-borne condition have now been reported in 23 countries and territories in the Americas region.
The World Health Organisation says it will convene an emergency committee meeting on February 1 to help determine its response level.
As the Zika virus spreads across South America, health officials in Australia are remaining alert.
While no cases have been recorded this year, the potential for travellers to return with the virus is high.
Professor Cameron Simmons is an infectious disease expert at the University of Melbourne.
"Look I think it needs to be on the radar of any traveller travelling to certainly South America and central America at the moment. This is a significant outbreak. Many tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands affected in these countries."
Twenty cases of the mosquito-borne condition have been recorded in Australia in the past.
All the individuals were infected overseas.
The Federal Health Department says there is a very low risk of transmission of Zika virus in Australia, due to the absence of the mosquito vectors in most parts of the country.
Professor Simmons says Northern Queensland could be at risk of transmission - being home to the type of mosquito that can transmit Zika.
"Anywhere from Townsville North up to Cairns are all suitable locations for transmission of these viruses because this particular mosquito is happily resident in these locations. So Northern Australia is the concern in terms of introductions of these viruses."
Airlines are urging travellers to heed warnings from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It's advised people to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, and says pregnant women, or women trying to become pregnant, should consider postponing travel to affected countries.
The Australian Olympic team is due to fly to Rio in coming months.
Dr David Hughes is their medical director and says while the outbreak is being taken seriously, there are other viruses that could pose more of a threat.
"In terms of non-pregnant individuals in the Australian Olympic team Zika virus is not my major health concern. There are other things like dengue fever which pose a bigger risk and the various health complaints that can be caused by contaminated water."
Australians who have recently travelled to areas affected by the Zika virus and are experiencing symptoms - including fever- are being urged to visit their GP.
