The CDC last week issued an alert about a new variant of a genital fungal infection detected in New York City. It’s called tinea, also known as ringworm (or “jock itch” if it’s in the groin area).
Although it responds to standard ringworm treatment, this sexually-transmitted form can take several weeks to clear up.
The new variation of tinea genitalis/pubogenitalis (TMVII) has previously been noted in Europe. In June, the first case was reported in a man in New York City.
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The man had a rash on his penis, buttocks, and limbs. He’d been on a trip to Greece, England and California before returning to the US. He said he’d had multiple sexual encounters with other men on his travels.
Now, the CDC says it’s recorded a further four cases. All cases involved gay men in NYC. All eventually responded to treatment. The CDC issued a notice to health providers to make them aware that this new strain is out there. It says TMVII may require prolonged treatment with antifungal medication.
Unlike other forms of ringworm, the new variant doesn’t always present with characteristic ring marks on the skin. For this reason, it might be easily confused with eczema or psoriasis.
Seek advice if you’re concerned about a rash that won’t clear up
The CDC says of the new cases: “All four patients were cisgender men aged 30–39 years who reported recent sexual contact with other men. Patients A and D reported sexual contact with each other; patients B and C had no known epidemiologic link to anyone with known TMVII infection. Patient D was a sex worker. Patient B reported travel to Europe; the other patients reported no recent international travel history.”
The agency says, “Health care providers should be aware that TMVII can spread through sexual contact and cause lesions on the genitals, buttocks, face, trunk, or extremities.” It goes on to recommend the best available treatments.
If you have a rash that you’re concerned about, do seek medical advice. Anyone diagnosed with TMVII should avoid skin-to-skin contact with others, or sharing personal items such as towels until the rash clears up.
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