Global Warning: Hybrid Strain of Monkeypox Virus Discovered
The World Health Organization warns of a hybrid monkeypox strain combining Ib and IIb lineages, amid ongoing outbreaks in 48 countries worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its 61st report on the global monkeypox outbreak, detailing the epidemiological situation until November 30, 2025, in Africa until December 14, and operational response updates as of December 17, 2025.
The report highlighted the discovery of a hybrid monkeypox strain containing genetic elements from both the Ib and IIb lineages, presenting a new challenge for global health containment efforts.
WHO confirmed that all monkeypox virus (MPXV) strains continue to circulate, warning that failure to contain human-to-human transmission could sustain community-level outbreaks.
In November 2025, 48 countries reported 2,150 new confirmed cases, including five deaths (0.2% fatality rate), with approximately 68% of cases in the African region. Four regions saw a decline compared to October, while Europe and the Western Pacific reported an increase.
Reports indicate that 19 African countries experienced active transmission over the past six weeks, with 1,435 confirmed cases and seven deaths (0.5% fatality rate). The Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, and Ghana recorded the highest number of cases, with Liberia showing a notable rise.
Outside Africa, the Ib lineage continues spreading in Spain and the Netherlands, while co-circulation of Ia and Ib was observed in multiple DRC provinces. The UK and Northern Ireland reported a travel-associated case with the hybrid strain, whose extent of spread remains unclear.
WHO assessed public health risks as moderate for high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men with multiple partners and sex workers, and low for the general population. The organization stressed the importance of genomic surveillance and strengthening response capacities, particularly in areas with multiple circulating strains.
Regular health screening is one of the most important steps to maintain good health and detect diseases early. The essential medical checkups for every age help in preventing complications and ensuring a healthier life.
Many people, after doing medical tests, receive their results and immediately start looking at numbers and unfamiliar terms like (High – Low – Normal) without fully understanding what they actually mean.
When dealing with medical services, many people come across different titles for doctors such as “Specialist” and “Consultant”, which can sometimes create confusion about what each title actually means and how they differ from each other.
Choosing the right time to visit a doctor is not a random decision. It can directly affect how quickly a condition is diagnosed and how effective the treatment will be. Many people delay visiting a doctor or go at the wrong time, which may lead to worsening symptoms or delayed care.
