Minnesota Reports Largest US TMVII Outbreak

Health officials in Minnesota announced on February 11 the state's largest known outbreak of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, or TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal infection also known as ringworm. More than 30 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported since July 2025, primarily in the Twin Cities metro area, marking the most significant cluster of this emerging pathogen in the United States.

TMVII spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity, and primarily affects men who have sex with men. The infection causes itchy, painful red rashes that often appear as round, coin-shaped lesions on the genitals, buttocks, abdomen, arms, legs, or trunk. These rashes may include bumps or pimples and can persist, leading to scarring or secondary bacterial infections in severe cases. Although commonly called ringworm, the condition is caused by a fungus, not a worm, and requires specialized testing for diagnosis, as symptoms can mimic other skin issues like eczema or psoriasis.

The Minnesota Department of Health issued an advisory urging doctors to report cases and encouraging individuals with symptoms to seek care at STI clinics. Treatment...