Six people have died from the Marburg virus in Rwanda since the outbreak began, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana confirmed in a video statement posted on Saturday.
"We are counting 20 people who are infected, and six who have already passed away due to this virus. The large majority of cases and deaths are among healthcare workers, mainly in the intensive care unit," the health minister said.
Later in the day, the ministry updated the number of confirmed cases to 26.
Efforts are underway to trace individuals who may have been in contact with those infected in an attempt to prevent further spread.
Marburg, a viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, is known for its high fatality rate of up to 88%. Symptoms include severe headaches, vomiting, muscle aches, and stomach pains. The virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.