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Minnesota Health officials are reporting an outbreak of Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), a fungus that causes ringworm and is associated with transmission through sexual contact, primarily among men who have sex with men. In July 2025, the first case of TMVII was confirmed in a resident who presented with a genital rash. Since then, the state has identified 13 confirmed cases and 27 suspected cases, officials say. The first case of TMVII in the United States was reported in New York in 2024 with additional cases reported in other states since. Because TMVII is a new infection, information on transmission and treatment may be limited. It’s 1 of 3 emerging strains in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency notes diagnosing  TMVII infection requires advanced molecular techniques such as genomic sequencing.
What to look for: TMVII can cause ringworm (round, coin-like rashes that are red and irritated, sometimes with bumps or pimples on top) involving the face, genitals, buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs. The rashes might be itchy and painful. TMVII rashes can be mistaken for other conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or other skin infections. CDC notes that current evidence suggests that oral terbinafine is effective for TMVII infections, but some patients may require itraconazole. Patients may require weeks to months of antifungal therapy. Clinicians can call 404-639-5168 or email [email protected] for consultation on diagnosis or treatment for suspected or confirmed cases. Images of the rash presentation are available on the CDC website.