Minnesota Down With 'Largest Known Outbreak' of Sexually Transmitted Fungal 'Ringworm'

The Minnesota health department has declared the 'largest known outbreak' of sexually transmitted ringworm that has occurred in the country. Thirty people were infected with the drug-resistant fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII).

The first case in Minnesota was reported last summer, but the situation escalated quickly. More than 30 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in the metro area, resulting in the largest known TMVII outbreak in the US.

Health officials say the numbers are still climbing, with new cases cropping up in cities around the country.

The Centers for Disease Control said '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 epidemic is disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men, a group that has historically been affected by other sexually transmitted infections more than others.

What is TMVII and its symptoms

The fungus that causes ringworm is not a 'worm' at all. It is a resilient mould that propagates via skin-to-skin contact. Scientists first observed it in people who travelled to Thailand and then came back to the US.

The CDC describes the infection as an emerging fungus that was initially described in travelers returning from Thailand after sexual contact with sex workers.

TMVII is unique because it is the only known fungal-based sexually transmitted disease, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. It thrives in warm, moist areas in the body, and can persist on clothing, towels, or bedding when not properly cleaned.

Many people assume they have a simple rash until the pain adds up.

TMVII appears as 'round, coin-shaped lesions' that are red, itchy, and may be covered with pimples or bumps. These can be found on the arms, buttocks, genitals, or legs.

Since the rash resembles eczema or psoriasis, sometimes doctors misdiagnose it in the early stages.

Treatment and the long-road ahead

Treating this stubborn fungus is a time-consuming process. Doctors prescribe oral anti-fungals, which can last up to 12 weeks. Treatment can be painful and costly. Patients complain of being fatigued and having an ongoing fear of re-infection.

This type of ringworm was found in the US for the first time in June 2024, when a man in New York was diagnosed with the infection.

People with symptoms are encouraged not to share clothing and other personal items, the department added.

As the spores survive on fabric, the health department recommends washing clothes at high heat and drying them thoroughly. They also request that those infected abstain from any kind of skin-to-skin contact, sexual or otherwise, until they are no longer contagious.

State health officials issued an advisory on 11 February, which urged anyone with an itchy rash to seek medical care and report any possible exposure.

They are teaming up with community groups to distribute awareness, particularly to the community of those who identify as of the same sex.

The fight against TMVII is young, but the Minnesota response sets the precedent. If the community follows the advice to wash, don't share, treat, and inform, there's a chance the outbreak will wane.