Minnesota is seeing the largest outbreak of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, with infections disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men.
More than 30 confirmed or suspected cases of the fungal infection have been reported in the state since last July, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, and all were in the Twin Cities metropolitan 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 said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aware of other sporadic cases in larger cities across the United States.
The California Department of Public Health previously said the first patient with TMVII had traveled to California before being diagnosed in New York.
TMVII has been circulating in Europe and among people who have traveled to Southeast Asia for sex tourism for several years, but is not currently considered widespread in the United States
The health authorities are warning about the spread of sexually transmitted ringworm. Dozens of cases have been reported since last summer (Minnesota Department of Health)
Rash looks like a coin
TMVII is the only known sexually transmitted fungal infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Sometimes confused for eczema or psoriasis, TMVII is spread through skin-to-skin contact or exposure to fungal spores. Ringworm can spread through genital contact, as well as the face, bottom, torso, arms and legs.
It can cause red, painful and itchy rashes, like coins, sometimes with bumps or pimples on top.
Infections can vary in severity, and sometimes lead to complications even with treatment.
Patients may see sores and open wounds that increase the risk for secondary bacterial infections and lead to harmful inflammation.
“Some patients may develop a painful and persistent rash that can lead to scarring or worsening infections that need to be treated with antibiotics,” health officials warned last month.
More than 30 cases have been reported near Minnesota’s Twin Cities. But there are other infections reported in major US cities (Getty)
Long-term treatment process
The diagnosis of TMVII infection requires advanced testing, although most laboratories have trouble distinguishing TMVII from two other fungal infections known as T. mentagrophytes and T. interdigitaleaccording to the CDC.
Patients may need weeks or even months of oral medication, and people should avoid using steroid creams, as they will worsen the TMVII infection.
To prevent exposure, people should avoid sexual contact if they or their partner has a new rash and avoid sharing personal items, such as clothes, towels, bedding and razors.
Items should be washed and dried on high heat, and fungal spores can be killed with common disinfectants or strong detergents.
People who believe they have a rash should ensure it is covered with bandages or clothing and wash their hands with soap after touching the infected area to reduce the risk of it spreading to other areas of the body.
“While the overall public health risk is low, state health officials say MSM, people who use anonymous apps, and people with a history of sexually transmitted infections may be at higher risk,” according to the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.