Resources with keywords: clade IIb

HCWs caring for mpox patients without adequate PPE (gown, gloves, eye protection, N95 for aerosol-generating procedures) face direct contact transmission risk. All clades (Ia, Ib, IIb) circulating globally. Clade Ib recombinant with Ia/IIb genomic elements detected in February 2026; biological behavior not yet fully characterized. Diagnostic laboratory personnel handling skin lesion specimens must use BSL-2 enhanced precautions. JYNNEOS vaccine recommended for HCWs at occupational risk.

Recombination of monkeypox virus (MPXV) strains has been documented in recent months, with two cases of a recombinant strain comprising clade Ib and IIb MPXV reported. Based on available information, the overall WHO public health risk assessment for mpox remains unchanged.