Minnesota reports nation’s largest known TMVII outbreak — sexually transmitted ringworm spreading in U.S. cities
Minnesota is confronting the nation’s largest known outbreak of TMVII, a sexually transmitted strain of ringworm. Since July 2025, more than 30 confirmed cases and dozens suspected have been reported in the Twin Cities, prompting heightened public health action.
- Confirmed cases: More than 30 TMVII infections in the Twin Cities since July 2025, with additional suspected cases. (Sources: CBS News; KSTP)
- Unusual transmission: TMVII spreads primarily via direct skin‑to‑skin contact during sexual activity — a rare fungal STI pattern. (Sources: CBS News; CIDRAP)
- Clinical note: Lesions often require oral antifungals and lab confirmation via culture/DNA sequencing. (Sources: Fox11Online; Fox News)
- Public health action: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has enhanced surveillance and requests clinician reporting and specimen submission. (Sources: Fox News; CIDRAP)
Overview: What public health teams are seeing
TMVII — short for Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII — is a fungal strain that causes ringworm-like skin lesions. The current cluster in Minnesota is notable because cases are concentrated in the Twin Cities and many appear linked to direct sexual contact, prompting state and national surveillance.
“This is the only known fungal infection identified to spread primarily through skin‑to‑skin sexual contact,” public health reports say. (Sources: CBS News; Fox News)
What is TMVII and why this outbreak is unusual
TMVII is one genotype of the common dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which typically causes superficial fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and jock itch. What makes TMVII unusual is the dominant transmission route: many infections have been linked to direct skin‑to‑skin contact during sexual activity rather than via contaminated surfaces.
For background reporting, see CBS News and expert summaries at Fox News.
Timeline and spread in the United States
First U.S. detection: The first U.S. case was identified in New York City in mid‑2024. Minnesota’s first confirmed case arrived in July 2025; since then MDH has logged more than 30 confirmed cases and reported an additional 27 suspected cases under investigation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tracked cases in multiple U.S. cities, indicating TMVII is not limited to one locale. Public health teams are monitoring whether cases remain clustered or spread more widely. (Sources: KSTP; CBS News; CIDRAP)
Symptoms, diagnosis and how TMVII differs from routine ringworm
Typical presentation: Round, coin‑shaped red rashes that may be itchy, painful or have bumps. Common locations include the genitals, buttocks, thighs, arms and torso. Lesions can mimic eczema, psoriasis or other non‑fungal rashes, so clinicians warn not to rely solely on appearance.
Diagnostic steps: If lesions fail to respond to over‑the‑counter antifungal creams, clinicians should consider skin scrapings for fungal culture and DNA sequencing at public health labs to distinguish TMVII from other dermatophytes. (Source: Fox11Online)
Treatment: what patients should expect
Unlike common ringworm treated with short topical courses, TMVII often requires prescription oral antifungal medication for several weeks to months. Patients are strongly advised to complete the full course — stopping early can lead to persistence or recurrence of infection. (Sources: CBS News; Fox News)
Transmission and risk groups
How it spreads: Primarily through direct skin‑to‑skin contact — often during sexual activity. Spores can also contaminate bedding, towels and shared surfaces, so household hygiene matters.
Reported risk groups: Higher numbers have been reported among men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers, but anyone can be infected through direct contact. People with prior STIs or weakened immune systems may experience more severe or widespread lesions. (Sources: CBS News; Fox News; CIDRAP)
Public health response in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has established enhanced surveillance: clinicians are asked to report suspected cases and send fungal isolates to the state public health laboratory for confirmatory culture and sequencing. MDH guidance emphasizes partner notification, avoiding skin‑to‑skin contact until treatment is complete, and household cleaning practices such as laundering linens in hot water.
Reporting and lab coordination aim to speed diagnosis and limit onward transmission. (Sources: Fox News; CIDRAP)
Practical steps for clinicians and patients
- Clinicians: Consider TMVII for persistent coin‑shaped rashes that don’t respond to topical antifungals; collect skin scrapings and send isolates to the state lab for confirmation. (Source: Fox11Online)
- Patients: Avoid sex and other skin‑to‑skin contact while receiving treatment; notify recent partners; complete prescribed oral antifungals; wash linens and towels on high heat. (Sources: CBS News; CIDRAP)
Implications for the United States
Public health vigilance: The Minnesota outbreak underscores how a typically benign fungal pathogen can change dominant spread modes. Health departments nationwide should be alert to similar presentations and confirm suspicious cases quickly to limit clusters.
Healthcare access: Because TMVII often needs longer oral courses, payers and clinics should ensure timely access to antifungal medications and clear guidance for patients. (Sources: KSTP; CIDRAP)
Preparedness for clinics and public health labs
States should review fungal culture and sequencing capacity so TMVII can be identified quickly. Faster lab identification helps clinicians choose appropriate treatment and reduces onward spread. Investments in lab networks and reporting systems help keep outbreaks local and limited. (Sources: Fox11Online; CBS News)
What conservative readers can do now
Stay informed, recognize symptoms, and seek medical evaluation if you or a partner develop round, itchy rashes that don’t respond to over‑the‑counter creams. Follow clinicians’ instructions, complete prescribed medication, wash linens in hot water, and avoid sharing personal items — practical, commonsense steps to protect families and communities. (Sources: CBS News; CIDRAP; Fox News)
