The Democratic Republic of the Congo reported more than 1000 new mpox cases within a week as the new strain of the virus spreads to neighboring countries and beyond.
The World Health Organization has declared the virus a global emergency, while African countries wait to receive vaccines.
Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox although people with more serious cases can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals.
The DRC, where the new strain was found, remains the most affected country with nearly 94% of diagnosed cases.
The virus has been found in 12 African countries so far, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The virus has spread out of control in eastern DRC where a civil war has ravaged large swathes pushing hundreds of thousands into displacement and further complicating monitoring and treatment efforts.
In Goma in eastern DRC, hospitals are already crumbling with medics unable to treat the high number of infected people.