Minnesota TMVII outbreak raises alarms about a new sexually transmitted fungal infection — what Inland Empire residents should know
Minnesota is facing the nation’s largest known outbreak of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal infection caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, with over 30 confirmed or suspected cases in the Twin Cities since July 2025.
Key takeaways
- The Minnesota TMVII outbreak involves more than 30 confirmed or suspected cases in the Twin Cities since July 2025.
- TMVII is a genotype of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and is notable for spreading through sexual contact in reported cases.
- The CDC identified the first U.S. case in New York City in 2024 and has confirmed TMVII cases in multiple cities.
- Minnesota established enhanced surveillance after patients sought care and named additional contacts to interrupt transmission chains.
Background and emergence
First U.S. detection: Public health officials say the first U.S. TMVII case was identified in New York in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged early U.S. cases and later reports identified additional cities with confirmed infections.
Minnesota cluster: The state confirmed its first Minnesota case in July 2025 after a patient sought care for a genital rash; officials later reported 13 confirmed cases and 27 suspected cases in the Twin Cities, forming the largest known cluster so far. CBS News documented the initial cluster and case counts, and local coverage provides additional context. KSTP reported on the outbreak size in the Twin Cities.
In response, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) put an enhanced surveillance program in place to locate cases, notify providers and identify contacts. Fox News summarized the public health response.
What is TMVII?
TMVII is a genotype of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes, a species that commonly causes ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. What makes TMVII different is its observed spread via skin-to-skin sexual contact in this outbreak, and clinicians note lesions and course can differ from routine dermatophyte infections.
Experts say TMVII lesions often require longer or systemic treatment than ordinary ringworm. For an overview of clinical differences, see reporting from CBS News and analysis at CIDRAP (University of Minnesota).
Symptoms and clinical presentation
People with TMVII commonly develop round, coin-like rashes that are red, irritated and sometimes painful. Lesions can appear on the arms, buttocks, genitals, legs, trunk, thighs and perianal area. Rashes may be itchy and persistent; bumps or pimples can form on top of lesions.
Because TMVII can resemble eczema, psoriasis or other skin infections, it can be missed initially.
Dr. Hayden Andrews, an infectious disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, described symptoms as similar to ringworm or jock itch and said lesions may be mistaken for eczema.
See related reporting at CBS News and CIDRAP.
Transmission and risk factors
Primary spread: TMVII transmits mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. It can also move via contaminated surfaces, clothing or linens.
Current reports indicate higher prevalence among men who have sex with men and some commercial sex workers, but anyone can become infected after contact with an infected person. People with prior STIs or weakened immune systems may face greater risk and more severe disease. Sources: Fox News, CBS News.
Diagnosis and treatment
Clinicians often evaluate TMVII when a rash fails to respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams. Definitive diagnosis can require skin scrapings and fungal culture testing; doctors may start treatment before test results return.
Treatment notes: Unlike routine ringworm, which often clears with topical medicines in days, TMVII frequently needs oral antifungal drugs for several weeks up to three months. Current antifungal medications appear effective, but treatment should be monitored to prevent complications and recurrence. See reporting at CBS News and Fox News.
Prevention and management
Public health guidance emphasizes practical steps to limit spread:
- Partner notification: People diagnosed should inform recent sexual partners and avoid skin-to-skin sexual contact until treatment completes.
- Avoid sharing: Do not share clothing, towels or bedding; launder linens at high heat.
- Sanitation: Clean and sanitize bathing areas and shared surfaces in homes or facilities.
- Clinician awareness: Providers should consider TMVII for genital or nearby skin lesions, especially when linked to sexual activity, and report suspected cases for laboratory testing.
Further guidance is available from reporting outlets and public health agencies: CBS News and the CDC (see related CDC guidance referenced by reporting outlets).
Public health response and surveillance
The Minnesota Department of Health implemented enhanced case-finding after patients provided contact information — a strategy aimed at interrupting transmission chains and expediting treatment. Fox News summarized this surveillance step.
The CDC has acknowledged cases across several U.S. cities, and public health laboratories are working to identify TMVII when clinicians submit samples for testing. Coordination between clinical labs and public health labs is important for genotype identification and case confirmation.
Reporting and sources
This report draws on coverage and statements from Minnesota health officials and reporting by local and national outlets. Full reporting and updates are available at:
Implications for The Inland Empire, California
Local surveillance and awareness: Clinics, urgent care centers and sexual health clinics across the Inland Empire should consider TMVII when patients present with persistent, round, itchy rashes in the genital or nearby areas, particularly if topical treatments have failed. CIDRAP’s coverage explains why early recognition matters.
Testing and lab readiness: While most community labs identify common dermatophytes, health departments may need to work with public health labs for genotype testing. Local health departments in Riverside and San Bernardino counties should confirm testing pathways and reporting steps with the reporting outlets and the California Department of Public Health.
Patient education and partner notification: Community health providers should emphasize partner notification and safe-sex guidance. Messaging should be clear and non-stigmatizing; while some groups are currently overrepresented in reports, anyone can be infected through skin-to-skin contact. See guidance summarized by CBS News.
Infection control in communal settings: The Inland Empire includes shelters, dormitories and shared-living settings where laundering, disinfection and limiting shared personal items will reduce surface spread. Laundering linens in hot water and using appropriate sanitizers in showers and locker rooms are advised. Fox News coverage highlights these measures.
Clinical treatment plans: Clinicians should be prepared to prescribe oral antifungal medication for longer courses than routine ringworm, monitor for side effects and confirm resolution. Immunocompromised patients may need more intensive care. CBS News provides clinical context.
Public messaging and political balance: For a politically moderate audience, communications should focus on practical steps and clear facts. Avoid alarm while promoting timely care, partner notification and common-sense prevention; partner with trusted local clinics and community groups to distribute guidance.
What Inland Empire residents can do now
If you notice a new round, itchy or painful rash on the genitals, buttocks, thighs, trunk or other skin, seek medical care promptly. Tell your clinician about recent sexual contacts and whether topical antifungal creams did not help. Avoid skin-to-skin sexual contact until a diagnosis is confirmed and treatment is complete.
Do not share towels, clothing or bedding. Wash linens on high heat and clean shared bathing areas. Notify recent partners if you are diagnosed so they can seek care and testing. For practical prevention tips and updates, see reporting from CBS News, Fox News and CIDRAP.
Health departments and clinicians will likely update guidance as more is learned. For now, awareness, timely care and straightforward prevention measures are the best defenses.
