A Sexually Transmitted Fungus Is Making Itself Cozy in the US
Gizmodo • • health
Key Points:
- Minnesota health officials are warning about an outbreak of the sexually transmitted fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), with dozens of confirmed or suspected cases in the Twin Cities metro area since summer 2025, marking the largest U.S. cluster to date.
- TMVII primarily spreads through close sexual contact, especially among men who have sex with men, and causes highly inflammatory, painful rashes that can lead to permanent scarring and secondary infections.
- The fungus is treatable with antifungals but often requires prolonged treatment; early medical evaluation is advised for those with symptoms such as itchy, scaly, coin-shaped rashes on the genitals or other body parts.
- Prevention measures include avoiding sexual or
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