NEED TO KNOW
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Minnesota health officials are alerting the public about what they describe as the “largest known outbreak” of sexually transmitted ringworm in the region.
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More than 30 individuals have been affected by the outbreak of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII).
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While it is commonly referred to as “ringworm,” TMVII is actually caused by a fungus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
Over 30 cases have arisen in what is being termed the “largest known outbreak” of sexually transmitted ringworm in Minnesota.
The state health department released an advisory on February 11 regarding a spike in instances of the newly identified Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), which is transmitted via sexual contact, leading to “itchy, painful, and/or persistent genital, perianal, buttock or abdominal skin lesions.”
Notably, despite being called “ringworm,” it’s not actually caused by a worm but rather by a drug-resistant fungus. Treatment for TMVII may take up to 12 weeks, according to health officials. This strain of ringworm was first recognized in the U.S. in June 2025, when a man in New York was diagnosed with it.
Since that time, state officials report that “more than 30 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in the metro area, resulting in the largest known outbreak of TMVII in the United States.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control characterizes this infection as “an emerging fungus” that was initially identified in travelers returning from Thailand after engaging in sexual activities with sex workers. It has since been noted in China and parts of Europe, primarily among men who have sex with men.
Individuals who contract this infection are advised to refrain from sexual contact and avoid sharing personal items or clothing. It’s recommended that they wash and dry clothes on high heat to eliminate any spores that may linger in the fabric. The Minnesota health department points out that the rash—which tends to be round and possibly covered with bumps—can often be confused with other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
