Minnesota health officials warn of infectious disease outbreak fungal skin infection.
This condition is caused by Trichophyton genotype VII (TMVII), the same fungal species that causes ringworm.
The main symptom is a round, red, inflamed rash that spreads all over the body. Itchy and painfulAccording to a state health alert.
Homeless encampments at health center, raising alert for rat-borne diseases
“TMVII is a specific type of fungus that is part of a large family that causes usually benign but troublesome conditions such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot,” Dr. Hayden Andrews, an infectious disease specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, told FOX News Digital.
“Symptoms are similar to those of regular ringworm or jock itch and vary depending on the area of the body infected,” he continued. “These usually appear as round, itchy patches and can be mistaken for eczema due to their rough appearance.”
According to , the first case of TMVII in Minnesota was confirmed in July 2025. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Since then, there have been 13 more confirmed cases and 27 more suspected cases in the region.
Toxic wild mushrooms linked to three deaths, state authorities issue emergency warning
The first confirmed case in the United States was new york The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed cases in multiple U.S. cities.
“After several individuals seeking care provided information about other individuals who may have been infected, MDH has established an enhanced surveillance system to identify infected individuals in Minnesota,” MDH said in a statement.
TMVII is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with the fungus. sexual actaccording to the alert.
Fungal spores can also be spread through contaminated objects and surfaces, such as sharing towels at the gym or walking around barefoot in public baths.
Todd Wills, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the University of South Florida Morsani School of Medicine, noted that TMVII is the only fungus that has been identified. sexually transmitted diseases.
For more health stories, click here
“Currently, the people most at risk are men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers, but the infection can spread from any infected person,” he told Fox News Digital.
People with a history of sexually transmitted infections are also at increased risk.
“Diagnosis is often based on the appearance of the rash and lack of response to typical over-the-counter medications. antifungal drugDr. Wills said: “A skin scraping sample of the rash may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, but treatment is often started before the results of these tests are available.”
Andrews said Minnesota’s outbreak is unique not in the type of infection, but in the way it spreads.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“The cases that occurred in Minnesota, and previously in New York in 2024, were spread by sexual contact and were found to be genetically TMVII. This suggests that it is spreading within networks, and therefore is likely. cause an epidemic” he said.
In people with weakened immune systems, the lesions can be more widespread and severe, Andrews said. If left untreated, some rashes can lead to scarring and worsening of the infection.
“While routine symptoms of ringworm and athlete’s foot usually resolve within a few days with antifungal creams, we find that TMVII often requires antifungal creams. antifungal drug“Full resolution can sometimes take several weeks. Fortunately, our current antifungal medications appear to be effective against TMVII,” the doctor said.
Doctors agreed that people with symptoms should avoid close skin-to-skin contact and refrain from sharing personal items such as towels and linens to reduce the spread of infection.
Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz
“Similarly, all linen and towels in the home should be thoroughly washed at high temperatures and bathing areas should be disinfected,” Andrews added.
If you have symptoms, please see a doctor immediately medical carehealth officials advised. Health care providers in Minnesota are being asked to report suspected cases for laboratory testing.
