Vanny Birungi, a Red Cross volunteer, on a house-to-house sensitisation campaign amid the Ebola outbreak in Bunia, Congo, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP)Russian scientists have reportedly developed a vaccine against a new strain of Ebola that may also offer protection against the rare Bundibugyo strain linked to outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a statement shared by the Russian embassy in South Africa on X.The announcement was made by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. The embassy’s post said: “Russian scientists have developed a vaccine against a new #Ebola strain, Health Minister #Murashko announced. According to the Russian scientists, the vaccine may also protect against the rare Bundibugyo strain linked to the outbreak in the #DRC.”⚡️⚡️ Russian scientists have developed a vaccine against a new #Ebola strain, Health Minister #Murashko announcedAccording to the Russian scientists, the vaccine may also protect against the rare Bundibugyo strain linked to the outbreak in the #DRC#MadeInRussia #RussiaAfrica pic.twitter.com/ys2HpGFB9P— Russian Embassy in South Africa (@EmbassyofRussia) May 26, 2026The claim comes amid growing concerns over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa and the urgent need for broader vaccine protection against multiple strains of the virus.Meanwhile, the World Health Organization on May 17 declared the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.According to a statement by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also classified the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease in the two countries as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).Further, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on May 22 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at points of entry to “detect, assess, report and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection”, while also discouraging travel to affected areas.As per the Ministry’s press release, countries bordering the DRC and Uganda, including South Sudan, are considered at high risk of disease transmission.Ebola disease is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. It is a severe illness with a high mortality rate. Currently, no approved vaccines or specific treatments exist for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain.The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:EbolaSouth Africa