The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising healthcare providers to monitor for a specific strain of fungal infection known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), which is primarily associated with sexual activity. According to the CDC, this variant of ringworm causes round, red, and itchy rashes on the genitals, buttocks, and other parts of the body, and it is currently circulating in the United States.
While ringworm is typically viewed as a general skin infection spread through contaminated objects or casual contact, TMVII differs due to its strong link to sexual transmission. The CDC reports that most cases identified so far have occurred in men who have sex with men. A significant cluster of these infections has been documented in Minnesota, where state public health experts credited clinicians for the early recognition and reporting of the fungus.
Because the lesions often appear in the groin or genital area, the CDC warns that TMVII is frequently mistaken for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or dermatological conditions such as eczema. This diagnostic overlap makes detailed patient histories and specific testing critical for effective management.
CDC Diagnostic Guidance for TMVII
In a formal letter to clinicians, the CDC recommends that healthcare providers consider TMVII as a potential diagnosis when patients present with lesions on or near the perineum, buttocks, groin, or genitals. The agency further advises clinicians to look for similar rashes on the face, in the beard, or in other hair-bearing areas of the body.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, the CDC suggests that providers conduct a detailed patient history. This includes asking specific questions regarding recent travel, sexual exposure, and the use of any over-the-counter ointments or creams, which can sometimes mask symptoms or complicate the diagnostic process.
When a clinician strongly suspects a TMVII infection, the CDC recommends initiating treatment with an oral antifungal medication immediately. The agency emphasizes the need for consistent follow-up care, noting that treatment may require 6 to 12 weeks, or potentially longer, before the skin lesions fully resolve.
Reporting and Clinical Management
The CDC has established a protocol for clinicians to coordinate with local health authorities to manage the spread of the fungus. Providers are encouraged to contact their respective health departments for assistance with clinical management, reporting, and the preferred diagnostic tests required to confirm the presence of TMVII.
For public health departments, the CDC has provided direct email channels to facilitate the reporting of suspected outbreaks. These channels allow local officials to receive specialized guidance on testing and treatment issues directly from federal experts.
Prevention and Community Safety
Public health guidance emphasizes that any active ringworm rash should be treated as highly contagious. To stop the transmission of TMVII, the CDC recommends that individuals seek medical treatment as soon as a rash appears and avoid all skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, until the lesions have cleared.
Beyond avoiding direct contact, health officials advise against sharing personal items that may harbor the fungi. This includes towels, clothing, bedding, razors, and sex toys. Because the fungus is spread via dermophytes, maintaining hygiene and avoiding the exchange of porous materials is essential for preventing new infections.
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