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Update: Outbreak of dermatophyte (ringworm) in MN associated with sexual contact
Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII, said as “TM seven”) is a recently emerged dermatophyte (fungus) that can cause ringworm associated with sexual contact, primarily among men who have sex with men. In July 2025, the first case of TMVII was confirmed in a Minnesota resident who sought care for a genital rash. Since then, more than 30 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in the metro area, resulting in the largest known outbreak of TMVII in the U.S.
Clinicians should consider dermatophyte infection in patients with painful and persistent perioral, perianal, or genital skin lesions. CDC recommends empiric treatment of suspected TMVII with oral terbinafine (250 mg daily). Treatment should continue until two weeks past symptom resolution (usually six to eight weeks). Diagnosis of TMVII requires obtaining a fungal culture of skin scrapings or biopsy from the rash, with subsequent confirmatory testing and genotyping of a fungal isolate to identify TMVII. This testing is available through the MDH Public Health Laboratory, who will facilitate referral of the fungal isolate to the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health.
Information for healthcare providers including a suggested protocol for specimen collection and guidelines for patient counseling and treatment can be found at Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII). MDH requests all suspected TMVII cases be reported to the health department by phone at 651-201-541 or digitally using the TMVII Reporting Form.
MDH, in collaboration with DIS at local STI clinics, is conducting follow-up interviews with cases to learn more about TMVII clinical presentation, transmission, and treatment.
Please call MDH at 651-201-5414 if you have questions. MDH can also coordinate with CDC to obtain clinical consultation on individual cases if needed.
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