WASHINGTON, June 23(Reuters) - The Biden administration announced on Wednesday it is expanding monkeypox testing capacity to five commercial laboratory companies amid rising cases.
As of Tuesday, there have been 142 reported monkeypox cases in the United States across 24 states and Washington, D.C. The first U.S. case was reported to the CDC on May 17.
"All Americans should be concerned about monkeypox cases. Thankfully we have right now the tools to fight and treat cases in America," Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra said. "By dramatically expanding the number of testing locations throughout the country, we are making it possible for anyone who needs to be tested to do so."