Minnesota health officials warn of TMVII outbreak — sexually transmitted fungal infection causing severe ringworm-like rashes
Minnesota health officials have confirmed the largest known U.S. outbreak of TMVII — a sexually transmitted fungal infection — with more than 30 confirmed or suspected cases in the Twin Cities since July 2025, authorities say.
Key takeaways
- What: Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), a fungus causing painful, ringworm-like rashes that can spread sexually and often requires oral antifungal treatment.
- Where/When: Twin Cities metro — 13 confirmed and 27 suspected cases were reported to state health officials; Minnesota’s first case was in July 2025. (Minnesota Department of Health health advisory (Feb. 11, 2026))
- Why it matters: Lesions may not respond to topical creams; untreated infections can scar or lead to secondary infections and often need prolonged oral therapy.
Background and emergence
TMVII is a genotype of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, a group of dermatophyte fungi that commonly cause ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. What sets TMVII apart is its pattern of sexual transmission in recent clusters. The first U.S. case was identified in New York in 2024; Minnesota confirmed its first local case in July 2025 when a patient sought care for a genital rash, and subsequent case finding led the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) advisory and enhanced surveillance.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Typical presentation: round, coin-shaped red rashes that are often itchy and painful. Lesions may include bumps or pustules and commonly occur on the genitals, perianal area, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, arms, trunk or legs.
Because TMVII can resemble eczema, psoriasis or other dermatoses, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed and given inappropriate therapy. Health officials recommend laboratory testing — skin scrapings or fungal cultures sent to public health labs — to confirm TMVII, especially when rashes do not improve with over-the-counter antifungal creams.
“To most people it looks like the usual cases of ringworm or jock itch,” said Dr. Hayden Andrews, an infectious disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “These usually manifest as round, itchy spots that may have a rough appearance and could be mistaken as eczema.”
Transmission and who is at risk
TMVII spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. The fungus can also contaminate clothing, towels, bedding and shared surfaces. MDH reports indicate network-based spread, where close sexual or social networks facilitate transmission. Reported clusters have disproportionately affected men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers, and people with prior sexually transmitted infections, but anyone can become infected.
Public health experts note TMVII is not nationally reportable in the U.S., which complicates tracking; the CIDRAP analysis and local reports emphasize the need for targeted testing and reporting to identify clusters.
Treatment and public health response
The MDH health advisory (Feb. 11, 2026) asks clinicians to consider TMVII for genital or buttock rashes that fail topical therapy and to send specimens to the public health lab when possible. Clinicians should report suspected or confirmed cases to state health authorities.
Treatment: Unlike many superficial dermatophyte infections that respond to creams, TMVII generally requires oral antifungal drugs. Courses can last from several weeks to up to three months depending on severity and response. Current antifungals appear effective when taken as prescribed; proper diagnosis and full adherence reduce recurrence and onward spread.
Public health prevention steps include:
- Notify sexual partners and avoid sexual or close skin contact until cleared by a clinician. (CBS News overview)
- Do not share towels, clothing or bedding; wash linens on high heat. (Fox News report)
- Clean and disinfect shared bathing areas and surfaces. (CIDRAP analysis)
- Seek medical care for persistent red, round rashes—especially in genital or buttock areas. (MDH advisory)
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Economic impact: Nightlife, adult-entertainment and close-contact service businesses should recognize that communicable skin infections can disrupt staffing and customer confidence. Low-cost preventive steps — clear hygiene policies, proper laundering procedures and worker education — protect commerce and public health.
Political and social considerations: Local leaders balancing civil liberties and community safety may find that clear, practical guidance emphasizing individual responsibility and targeted outreach resonates with residents. Because stigma can arise from sexually spread conditions, faith-based and community groups can encourage testing and partner notification without moralizing.
Framing public health measures as ways to protect family safety, worker livelihoods and small-business vitality aligns with Huntington Beach community values and supports voluntary compliance.
Practical applications for residents
- See a clinician promptly if you or a partner has a persistent, round, itchy rash—particularly on the genitals or buttocks; tell providers about possible TMVII exposure and that topical creams may fail. (CBS News, CIDRAP)
- Avoid sharing towels, underwear or bedding; launder linens on hot settings and disinfect shared surfaces.
- Employers should adopt clear sick-leave and hygiene policies so workers can seek testing and treatment without financial penalty.
Reporting and where to get more information
Clinicians should consider TMVII for genital or buttock rashes that do not respond to topical antifungals and follow state guidance on testing and reporting. The Minnesota Department of Health health advisory (Feb. 11, 2026) provides specific instructions for providers. The CDC is monitoring reports from multiple cities and state public health agencies.
