Russian scientists have developed a vaccine targeting a new strain of the Ebola virus, according to an announcement by the Russian Embassy in South Africa. The development was reported by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko.
Embassy Announcement on Social Media
In a post on X, the embassy stated, “Russian scientists have developed a vaccine against a new #Ebola strain, Health Minister #Murashko announced.” The vaccine is designed to combat a newly identified variant of the deadly virus.
Potential Protection Against Bundibugyo Strain
The embassy further noted that the vaccine may also offer protection against the rare Bundibugyo strain, which is linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “The vaccine may also protect against the rare Bundibugyo strain linked to the outbreak in the #DRC,” the post added.
Discussions on Production and Global Cooperation
According to the embassy, discussions regarding vaccine production and global cooperation were held with the World Health Organisation (WHO) during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, which took place from 18 to 23 May 2026.
WHO Reports Suspected Deaths in Congo Outbreak
Ebola disease, a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has resulted in 220 suspected deaths so far, as reported by the WHO. Under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, the WHO declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May. Currently, no approved vaccines or specific treatments exist for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
