Abbott Laboratories is "actively" developing a PCR test for monkeypox, Axios' Herb Scribner reported Thursday, citing a statement made by the company.

According to the report, the test will identify the virus locally and provide a genetic analysis. Besides, it is known that the test kits will be provided to the global partners of Abbott's Pandemic Defense Coalition.

Earlier on Thursday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that nine cases of monkeypox had been identified in seven states across the country. The cases were identified in Massachusetts, Florida, Utah, Washington, California, Virginia, and New York.