Canadian Health Minister, Jane Philpott, says the number of Canadians infected with the Zika virus has risen to nine, as reported by the CBC.
None of the reported cases have been transmitted locally in Canada, but were all contracted outside of the country, according to Philpott.
Two cases were confirmed in B.C. that were contracted in El Salvador and Colombia, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease control.
The Zika virus is spreading rapidly through Latin America. While most people experience either mild or no symptoms, Zika is suspected of causing a devastating birth defect — babies born with abnormally small heads — and pregnant Canadians are urged to avoid travel to affected areas.
