Kenya has confirmed its first-ever death from the Ebola virus, health officials announced Tuesday, amid a significant surge in cases in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The deceased was a Kenyan national who had been living in the DRC for seven years and returned to Kenya recently. The outbreak in the DRC, which began in May, is the 17th for the country and has seen a rapid increase in infections, raising regional health concerns.

According to Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale, the man fell ill about a month ago in the DRC and received treatment there. He then traveled overland to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi on October 3. Upon arrival, he was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was immediately isolated due to symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, and bleeding at injection sites.

Health authorities confirmed the man tested positive for the Ebola virus and unfortunately passed away late Monday evening. The case marks a significant development for Kenya, which has no prior history of Ebola infections. Neighboring Uganda had previously recorded 20 cases and two deaths, primarily among travelers from the DRC, before being declared Ebola-free in August.

Minister Duale stated that 28 contacts of the deceased have been identified, including family members and healthcare workers. So far, only one of these contacts has tested positive, with authorities actively tracing an additional 23 passengers and four crew members from the flight.

The current outbreak in the DRC has been particularly severe. As of October 2, the country had recorded 8,463 confirmed cases, resulting in 4,082 deaths. The specific strain involved is the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available.

Health organizations have been conducting emergency response training sessions in Kenya, such as those organized by Médecins Sans Frontières in August, in preparation for potential outbreaks. The confirmation of a case within Kenya's borders underscores the urgency of these preparedness measures and the need for robust contact tracing and isolation protocols.

Officials are working to contain the spread and monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and adherence to safety guidelines. The proximity of the escalating outbreak in the DRC makes continued vigilance and international cooperation crucial in managing this public health threat.