By: Finn Johansson EarthTimes.org | Published: February 13, 2026
Public health officials in Minnesota are raising the alarm over an unprecedented outbreak of a sexually transmitted fungal infection that causes ringworm-like lesions, particularly in the Twin Cities area. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) describes the situation as potentially the largest cluster of its kind in U.S. history, prompting new advisories for clinicians and the public — a development that has drawn national coverage from outlets including Abacus News.
The fungus responsible is a specific strain called Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) — a dermatophyte that can cause painful, persistent skin infections and, in rare cases, long treatment courses. Although ringworm (or “tinea”) typically refers to a benign fungal skin condition, this recent variant spreads predominantly through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, distinguishing it from more familiar forms.
Rise of an Unusual Fungal STD
The first confirmed U.S. case of sexually acquired ringworm was identified in New York City in the summer of 2024. Since then, sporadic cases have appeared in several large metro areas. In Minnesota, public health investigators first documented a TMVII infection in July 2025, and an enhanced surveillance effort has since identified dozens of confirmed and suspected cases across the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
According to the MDH data, the onset of this outbreak reflects growing recognition of the fungus’s ability to spread via intimate contact. Specialists note that TMVII has circulated in parts of Europe, Asia, and among travelers for years, but increased detection in the U.S. has intensified public health interest.
Recognizing and Responding to TMVII
Unlike typical ringworm infections, TMVII skin lesions often appear in anatomical sites associated with sexual contact — including the genitals, buttocks, abdomen, and thighs — and can be mistaken for eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions. The Minnesota health advisory stresses that clinicians should consider TMVII in patients presenting with persistent, itchy, or painful rashes in these regions, particularly as broader healthcare access and early diagnosis remain key themes in national policy discussions highlighted by organizations such as America’s Fair Healthcare.
Dr. Lydia Carter, a dermatologist specializing in fungal infections, explains that “TMVII is not your garden-variety tinea. Its presentation and epidemiology suggest a more specific, prolonged course of infection that often requires oral antifungal medication.” Health departments typically recommend oral terbinafine as frontline therapy, continued until symptoms fully resolve — which can take 6–12 weeks.
The outbreak has prompted calls for clinicians to culture skin scrapings for fungal testing and report any suspected TMVII cases to public health authorities. The Minnesota Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory assists with confirmatory genotyping when necessary.
Preventing Spread and Misdiagnosis
Prevention guidance from health officials emphasizes that individuals with rash-like symptoms should avoid sexual or other skin-to-skin contact until evaluated. They also advise against sharing personal items such as towels, bedding, or razors, which can harbor fungal spores. Laundering clothing and linens on high heat and thoroughly disinfecting shared surfaces can help reduce transmission risk.
For many people, the risk remains localized and low when standard precautions are followed. However, men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals with a history of other sexually transmitted infections or who use certain social apps for casual encounters may face slightly elevated exposure risk, according to state health data.
Public Health Implications
The emergence of TMVII highlights how infectious diseases can evolve in unexpected ways in a globally connected world. Beyond Minnesota, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to track related cases across the United States, though it notes that TMVII is not required to be nationally reported — meaning surveillance data may underestimate the true number of infections.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of awareness and accurate diagnosis, both among clinicians and at-risk communities. As Dr. Carter notes, “Misdiagnosis delays treatment and increases the likelihood of spread. Early identification and appropriate antifungal therapy are key to controlling this unusual outbreak.”
