After experts predicted that the Zika virus could become a global pandemic, they have now warned the risk is high that cases of the devastating virus could be seen in Britain, along with every country in Europe.

The disease, which is passed on by mosquitoes, has infected more than 4000 babies in Brazil leading to them being born with underdeveloped brains and 'shrunken heads'. The virus has spread to more than 30 countries.

And now the World Heath Organisation has said that the risk of an outbreak would increase in the spring and summer as temperatures rise.

Dr Nick Beeching, a tropical medicine consultant at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, said the UK is at high risk because South America has become such a popular tourist destination.

He said: "The worry is where it might go to next. The mosquitoes are found in many parts of the tropics and parts of southern Europe."

Brits returning from the destinations affected in Latin America are not allowed to donate blood for a month after.

The World Health Organisation's European chief Zsuzsanna Jakab said: "Now is the time to prepare. Every European country in which Aedes mosquitoes are present can be at risk.

"Travellers infected with Zika have entered Europe but the disease has not been transmitted further, as the mosquito is still inactive. With the onset of spring and summer, the risk increases."

Some UK tour operators are allowing pregnant mothers due to go on holiday to areas at risk of Zika, to switch their destinations and the Foreign Office is advising Brits heading for Central and South America, some Caribbean islands, Cape Verde and Samoa to seek advice first.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists also advised any pregnant women in the UK who test positive for Zika to get additional scans.

All travellers, especially pregnant women going to an area with active Zika virus transmission should ensure they seek travel health advice from their GP or a travel clinic well in advance of their trip and consult the National Travel Health Network and Centre website for up to date information on current outbreaks and country information .

Thomas Cook, Thomson and First Choice announced that expectant mothers can rebook their trips without incurring a fee.

Here is all you need to know about this disease.

More than 4000 babies have been affected in Brazil, leading to them being born with underdeveloped brains and 'shrunken heads'

What is the Zika virus?

Dr Derek Gatherer, a lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Lancaster University, says: "It is a member of the flavivirus group (of viruses), a relative of yellow fever virus and dengue fever virus, first discovered in 1947 in Uganda."

Why are people so concerned about it?

Dr Gatherer said: "There is a possible association with microcephaly if infection occurs in pregnancy.

Microcephalic babies are moderately to severely mentally handicapped and will need a lifetime of care."

What could happen if I catch it while I am pregnant?

It is rarely fatal and only one in five people infected show the fever-like symptoms, but it can have a devastating impact on babies in the womb.

The disease has been linked to brain defects in babies, who can be born with abnormally small heads.

How is it transmitted?

Zika is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and has caused panic in Brazil, where thousands of people have been infected.

An Aedes aegypti mosquito is seen through a microscope at en exhibition on Dengue fever

If I do get the Zika virus, how can I treat it?

If you do get the Zika virus, the NHS advises that you should drink fluids to prevent dehydration and take paracetamol to help relieve symptoms.

You are NOT advised to use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, as there is a potential risk they could trigger excessive bleeding.

What are the symptoms if a healthy, non-pregnant adult is infected?

"Most will not know they have a Zika infection," says Dr Gail Carson, consultant in infectious diseases at the University of Oxford.

"Current estimates are approximately 80% are asymptomatic (show no symptoms). However, for those that do the illness is similar to dengue but milder such as mild fever and an itchy rash."

The World Health Organisation says people affected should drink plenty of fluids, rest and treat pain and fever with over the counter medicines.

Is it only pregnant women who need to be concerned?

People with chronic illnesses and those with immune system disorders are being urged to seek advice from a health worker before travelling to countries affected by the Zika virus outbreak.

Which countries are affected?

Almost all of Latin America, Samoa in the Pacific and Cape Verde in the Atlantic.

Is there a threat to the UK?

The species of Aedes mosquitoes that are believed to transmit Zika virus are not present in the UK.

Dr James Logan, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine says: “Aedes albopictus has been known to be an invasive species in Europe in places like France, Italy and the Mediterranean. But there have been no Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti in the UK."

Almost all of Latin America, Samoa in the Pacific and Cape Verde in the Atlantic are affected by the Zika virus

What should I do if I am planning a holiday?

"Pregnant women need to be aware that going to tropical Latin America currently poses a risk," says Dr Gatherer.

"If you are pregnant, or contemplating starting a pregnancy while on holiday or shortly after returning, consider postponing your trip. Since there is a possibility Zika may be sexually transmitted too, unprotected sexual activity with the local population on the trip is best avoided."

I am going to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics. Should I cancel my tickets?

Dr Gatherer said: "Unless the situation changes - and it might be that the outbreak will fade by then - pregnant women should consider the risks carefully."

Will I lose my money if I have booked a holiday and cancel?

Thomson and First Choice are offering pregnant customers who are concerned about travelling to Mexico, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia and Martinique, the opportunity to change their destinations.

Thomas Cook announced that mothers-to-be booked on charter holidays up to the end of April are also allowed to make alternative arrangements.

For more advice go to:

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil

www.gov.uk/government/news/zika-virus-travel-advice-for-pregnant-women

www.nhs.uk

Or for help if you're travelling abroad soon, contact your operator or visit:

www.thomson.co.uk

www.thomascook.com/travel-updates