The Zika virus is every parents' worst nightmare.
Carried by mosquitos and transferred in just one bite, this appalling condition has the potential to cause lethal birth defects in pregnant women's unborn child.
An outbreak of the virus is thought to be behind a surge in child deformities in Brazil, and local transmission of the illness has been found in 13 other countries and territories.
Three British people are now reported to have caught the disease, which is found in South America but does not naturally occur in the UK.
"As of 18 January 2016, three cases associated with travel to Colombia, Suriname and Guyana have been diagnosed in UK travellers," Public Health England wrote.
"Further cases are expected to be reported in other countries, particularly in the Americas."
Here are the facts about this feared illness.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
Generally, it causes fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention .It causes illness in about one in five people, but is particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
What will it do to an unborn baby?
It can cause a condition called microcephaly, which means that children are born with an abnormally small head.
Many children die from this condition, which causes severe brain damage.
What is the level of risk to pregnant women?
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However, it is not clear how many of these cases were directly caused by the Zika virus.
How do I catch it?
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There is currently no vaccine for the Zika virus and sufferers will just have to let the illness run its course.
How do I make sure I don't catch it?
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If you have to travel there, you should cover up, wear mosquito repellent, sleep under nets and do everything you can to avoid the insects.