Minnesota is experiencing the largest sexually transmitted ringworm outbreak in the United States, with the infection disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, more than 30 confirmed or suspected cases of fungal infections have been reported in the state since last July, all in the Twin Cities metro area.
The ringworm, known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, or “TMVII,” was first reported in New York City in June 2024.
The Minnesota Department of Health says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aware of other sporadic cases in major U.S. cities
The California Department of Public Health previously stated that the first TMVII patient had traveled to California before being diagnosed in New York.
TMVII has been circulating for years in Europe and among people traveling to Southeast Asia for sex tourism, but is not currently widespread in the United States
Health authorities warn of spread of sexually transmitted ringworm. Dozens of cases have been reported since last summer (Minnesota Department of Health)
coin-shaped rash
TMVII is the only known sexually transmitted fungal infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Sometimes confused with eczema or psoriasis, TMVII is spread through skin contact or contact with fungal spores. Ringworm can be spread through genital contact and can also spread to the face, buttocks, torso, arms, and legs.
It causes a painful, itchy, red, coin-shaped rash that sometimes appears as a bump or pimple on the top.
Infections vary in severity and sometimes lead to complications even with treatment.
Patients may see lesions and open sores, which increase the risk of secondary bacterial infection and cause harmful inflammation.
Health officials warned last month: “Some patients may develop a painful and persistent rash that can lead to scarring or worsening of the infection and require treatment with antibiotics.”
More than 30 cases have been reported near the Twin Cities in Minnesota. But other infections have been reported in major U.S. cities (Getty)
long treatment process
Diagnosing TMVII infection requires advanced testing, although most laboratories have difficulty distinguishing TMVII from the other two fungal infections (called TMVII). Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. between fingersaccording to the CDC.
Patients may need oral medications for weeks or even months, and people should avoid steroid creams because they can worsen TMVII infections.
To prevent exposure, people should avoid sexual contact if they or their partners develop a new rash, and avoid sharing personal items such as clothes, towels, bedding, and razors.
Items should be washed and dried at high temperatures, and fungal spores can be killed with regular disinfectants or strong detergents.
People who think they have a rash should make sure to cover the rash with a bandage or clothing and wash their hands with soap after touching the infected area to reduce the risk of spreading it to other parts of the body.
“While the overall public health risk is low, state health officials say gay men, people who use anonymous apps, and people with a history of sexually transmitted infections may be at higher risk,” according to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
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