Health Canada has authorized Moderna to begin a Phase 1 clinical trial of a new mRNA vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, a form of Ebola for which no approved vaccine currently exists.
The Bundibugyo strain has been responsible for outbreaks in Central Africa, including recent cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda — the same 2026 Bundibugyo outbreak that prompted travel restrictions earlier this year. While Ebola has never been detected in Canada, Canadian researchers and volunteers are now participating in the first stage of vaccine development that could eventually help protect populations at risk.
For most Canadians, Ebola is not a routine travel concern. However, this news serves as an important reminder that infectious disease risks can change rapidly around the world. Travellers visiting regions experiencing outbreaks require accurate, up-to-date medical advice before departure.
Why Travel Medicine Matters
Global travel has become increasingly complex. Outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola, mpox, measles, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria can affect travel recommendations with little notice.
Many travellers assume that travel health simply means receiving vaccines. In reality, a comprehensive travel consultation involves assessing your destination and itinerary, current disease outbreaks, planned activities, length of stay, medical conditions and medications, required and recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention needs, food and water safety risks, and medical evacuation considerations.
Why Choose DTC?
At Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic (DTC), travel medicine is our primary focus.
Our travel medicine practitioners provide comprehensive pre-travel risk assessments based on the latest guidance from international travel health authorities.
During your consultation, we review destination-specific health risks, current outbreaks and travel advisories, vaccine recommendations, malaria prevention options, traveller’s diarrhea prevention, insect-bite protection strategies, medical kit recommendations, and special considerations for seniors, children, pregnant travellers, and those with chronic medical conditions.
Staying Ahead of Emerging Diseases
The development of new vaccines such as Moderna’s Ebola vaccine candidate demonstrates how global health risks continue to evolve.
Whether you are travelling for business, tourism, volunteer work, education, or visiting friends and relatives, obtaining professional travel health advice before departure can help reduce health risks and ensure you are properly prepared.
Book your travel consultation with Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic before your next international trip and travel with confidence.
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Because Your Health Doesn’t Take a Vacation — Even When You Do.
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The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer