Zika virus belongs to the Flaviviridaefamily, which is transmitted by female mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. Its spread out of Africa and Asia resulted in the emergence of newly vector‑borne infectious diseases. Most of the Zika infections run a subclinical course or present with weakly expressed flu‑like symptoms. Complications of the Zika virus infections include neurological abnormalities in Guillain‑Barre syndrome and microcephaly in infants born to infected mothers. The risk of transmission through blood components or tissue/organ transplants has not been established, however a high number of asymptomatic infections, particularly among potential donors, makes it possible. Therefore, many countries in Europe and both Americas have introduced procedures for donors returning from countries gripped by the epidemic. The article analyzes the available knowledge concerning the risks posed by transmission of the Zika virus and the possible impact of infection on the safety of transfusions and transplants.