Minnesota reports largest U.S. outbreak of TMVII — health officials warn of a sexually transmitted ringworm that causes painful rashes
The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed the largest-known U.S. outbreak of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), a sexually transmitted fungal infection causing painful, persistent rashes; over 30 Twin Cities cases since July 2025 prompt public caution.
- Largest U.S. cluster: Minnesota health officials say this is the nation’s largest-known TMVII outbreak, concentrated in the Twin Cities — enhanced surveillance is underway (MDH advisory).
- Clinical alert: TMVII often causes painful, coin-shaped rashes that may not respond to over-the-counter creams and typically require oral antifungal therapy (CBS Minnesota; Fox News).
- Transmission & prevention: Spread is by direct skin-to-skin contact and contaminated clothing, towels or bedding; avoid sharing linens and notify partners for evaluation (CIDRAP).
Key information and case counts
Minnesota health officials describe the situation as the nation’s largest-known outbreak of TMVII, with cases clustered in the Twin Cities area. The first Minnesota case was confirmed in July 2025; MDH reports 13 confirmed and 27 suspected cases in the state, and officials have instituted enhanced surveillance (MDH advisory; Fox News).
What is TMVII and how it spreads
TMVII is a genotype of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, a dermatophyte family member that typically causes ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. What distinguishes TMVII is its association with infections spread largely through sexual contact and its tendency to cause persistent, painful skin disease (CBS Minnesota; CIDRAP).
The fungus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact and via spores on clothing, towels or bedding. Health officials note that anyone infected can pass TMVII to others. Some reports point to higher risk among men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers, and people with prior STIs — but transmission is not limited to any single group (Fox News; KOMO/Komonews).
Symptoms to watch for
TMVII typically causes round, coin-shaped red rashes that can be itchy or painful and may include bumps or pimples. Reported locations include the genitals, perianal area, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, arms, trunk and legs. Because lesions can mimic eczema or psoriasis, misdiagnosis is common.
“Rashes have been mistaken for less serious problems; in some people the infection can spread widely, persist, leave scars, or lead to secondary bacterial infections.”
Experts caution that TMVII often does not respond to topical OTC antifungals; clinicians report cases that require oral medication for effective treatment (CBS Minnesota; Fox News).
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis combines clinical appearance with a poor response to topical antifungals. Confirmation requires skin scrapings and laboratory testing such as fungal culture and DNA sequencing; isolates have been forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Health laboratory for confirmation (MDH advisory; CIDRAP).
Treatment: TMVII infections generally require oral antifungal medication taken for weeks to up to three months. Patients treated only with topical creams may not improve. Providers are urged to consider TMVII for rashes on the genital, thigh and buttock areas when sexual contact is implicated and to report suspected cases to MDH (CBS Minnesota; KSTP).
Public health response and surveillance
Following multiple patients naming potential contacts, MDH instituted enhanced surveillance to identify additional cases. The February 11, 2026 health advisory describes the outbreak and urges clinicians to report suspected TMVII cases. Because TMVII is not nationally reportable, tracking relies on local reporting and lab confirmation, so the outbreak may be larger than current counts indicate (MDH advisory; CIDRAP).
The CDC has confirmed TMVII cases in multiple U.S. cities; the first known U.S. TMVII case was identified in New York City in 2024. Officials stress that awareness and prompt reporting are essential to control spread (CBS Minnesota).
Prevention guidance for the public
- Avoid direct contact with infected skin until treatment is complete.
- Do not share clothing, towels or bedding; wash linens in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Sanitize bathing areas and notify sexual partners so they can seek evaluation and care.
- Providers: Consider TMVII when rashes fail to clear with OTC antifungals and report suspected cases to public health (MDH advisory; Fox News).
Reporting and possible undercounting
Because TMVII is not nationally reportable, public health officials believe the true number of cases is likely higher than reported. Enhanced surveillance in Minnesota uncovered additional suspected cases after clinicians asked patients about contacts — a gap that complicates containment and tracking (CIDRAP).
Sources and reporting
This article draws on the Minnesota Department of Health advisory and reporting from multiple outlets. Full source links:
Implications for Walla Walla, Washington
Economic impact: Local clinics, urgent care centers and dermatology practices could see increased patient volume for persistent rashes. Oral antifungal regimens require prescriptions and follow-up, raising costs for patients and insurers and potentially applying modest pressure on community health budgets and pharmacy supplies.
Political consequences: An outbreak may spark debate about public-health reporting and state responsibilities. Conservative audiences might emphasize privacy, individual responsibility, and cost-effective responses while resisting expanded mandatory reporting unless necessary.
Social effects: Labeling TMVII as a “sexually transmitted ringworm” can create stigma and deter care-seeking. Health messaging in Walla Walla should be straightforward and nonjudgmental to encourage prompt evaluation and treatment.
Cultural relevance & practical guidance: In a tight-knit community where privacy matters, offer confidential testing and treatment. Emphasize practical prevention steps — clean linens, avoid sharing towels, seek care early — to reduce stigma and increase uptake.
For residents: Watch for round, red, itchy or painful rashes, especially in the genital, thigh or buttock areas. If a rash does not improve with OTC creams, seek medical care. Do not share clothing, towels or bedding until treatment finishes; wash linens in hot water and dry on high heat. Notify recent sexual partners so they can be evaluated (MDH advisory).
Health system readiness: Clinics and hospitals should review protocols for persistent fungal rashes, ensure clinicians know that TMVII may not respond to topical antifungals and that oral therapy may be required, and coordinate with state health officials if suspected cases appear (CIDRAP).
Education and outreach: Direct, fact-based guidance emphasizing individual action — early care, partner notification, household cleaning — can align with conservative community values and help limit spread while protecting privacy.
Because TMVII is not nationally reportable and can be underdiagnosed, local vigilance matters. Walla Walla residents and providers who act quickly can help limit spread, protect privacy, and reduce long-term costs and complications.
