An Ebola outbreak is spreading in parts of Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where a new strain identified as the “Bundibugyo” variant is reportedly circulating. In response to the situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, citing the need for urgent global attention and coordinated response measures.
In a major development, Russia’s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that scientists have developed a new vaccine designed to combat the new Ebola strain. According to Russian health officials and scientists, the vaccine works by strengthening the body’s immune response, enabling it to recognize the virus and produce specific antibodies. Once administered, it is expected to help the immune system respond rapidly upon exposure and neutralize the infection. The vaccine has reportedly been developed using advanced Russian vaccine technology platforms.
🇷🇺🌍 Russia has developed preliminary vaccine solutions against the new #Ebola strain, Russian Health Minister M.Murashko said at the International Security Forum.
🧬 Russia maintains “vaccine reserves” that allow rapid development of preventive drugs against emerging diseases. pic.twitter.com/v6bABNfeCc
— Russian Embassy in Kenya/Посольство России в Кении (@russembkenya) May 27, 2026
Ebola is believed to have originated from bats and is transmitted to other animals such as monkeys, chimpanzees, and wild boars when they consume contaminated fruits or come into contact with bat droppings. Human infection typically occurs through the handling or consumption of infected wild animals. Once introduced into the human population, the virus spreads through direct contact between individuals.
Health experts confirm that Ebola is not an airborne disease like COVID-19. It does not spread through coughing or sneezing. Instead, transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, sweat, saliva, vomit, urine, and semen. The virus can enter the human body through broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Following infection, symptoms do not appear immediately. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, during which the infected person may show no signs of illness while the virus continues to multiply inside the body. Once symptoms begin, early signs include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, and sore throat, which often resemble flu-like conditions. In the second stage, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. In severe cases, the infection progresses to multi-organ failure, including liver damage, along with internal bleeding from the eyes, nose, and gums, which can lead to a high fatality risk.
Medical experts stress the importance of preventive measures to control the spread of the virus. People in affected regions are advised to avoid contact with bushmeat, maintain strict hygiene practices, and regularly sanitize hands. Although the outbreak has not significantly spread to other regions at present, health authorities warn that negligence and lack of precaution could increase the risk of transmission.