Minnesota reports nation’s largest known TMVII outbreak — what to know about the sexually transmitted fungal infection
Minnesota is reporting the nation’s largest known TMVII outbreak — a sexually transmitted fungal infection — with more than 30 confirmed and suspected cases concentrated in the Twin Cities since July 2025, prompting enhanced surveillance and public health outreach.
Key takeaways
- More than 30 confirmed and suspected TMVII cases have been reported in Minnesota’s Twin Cities cluster since July 2025.
- TMVII (Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII) is a ringworm-family fungus notable for sexual transmission and can require prolonged oral antifungal therapy.
- Public health response: Minnesota has launched enhanced surveillance and contact tracing; the CDC is monitoring cases in multiple U.S. cities.
What is TMVII?
TMVII stands for Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, a fungus related to organisms that cause ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot. Reports note that this genotype has been linked to spread through sexual contact, making it distinctive among dermatophytes in recent public-health reporting — see TMVII coverage and expert reporting.
Timeline and spread
First U.S. case: Public records indicate the first U.S. TMVII case was reported in New York City in mid‑2024 — see the local timeline. Minnesota confirmed its first case in July 2025 and now reports multiple cases clustered in the Twin Cities — state reporting and additional coverage.
How TMVII spreads and who is at risk
TMVII spreads via direct skin‑to‑skin contact, including sexual activity, and fungal spores can survive on clothing, towels and shared surfaces. Minnesota health authorities have reported most cases in the current cluster among men who have sex with men and some commercial sex workers — see local analysis. Public-health briefings also note that people with a history of sexually transmitted infections may face higher risk — see public health context at CIDRAP.
What TMVII symptoms look like
The primary sign is a round, red, irritated rash that can appear on the genitals, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, trunk, arms or legs. Lesions are often coin‑shaped, itchy and sometimes painful; they may be bumpy or rough and can be mistaken for eczema, psoriasis or other skin infections. For clinical descriptions, see news coverage, timeline reporting, and public‑health analysis.
“The symptoms are similar to that of the usual cases of ringworm or jock itch and depend on the part of the body that became infected,” said Dr. Hayden Andrews, an infectious disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “These usually manifest as round, itchy spots that may have a rough appearance and could be mistaken as eczema.”
Diagnosis and laboratory testing
Clinicians typically begin with a visual exam and review of recent sexual contacts and travel. If a fungal infection is suspected, providers can perform a skin scraping for fungal culture or specialized testing to identify TMVII. Because cultures can take time, treatment often begins before results return. Health officials urge providers to report suspected cases to assist with mapping and contact tracing — see clinical guidance in news reporting and public-health context at CIDRAP.
Treatment: what to expect
TMVII appears to respond to current antifungal medicines, but treatment is typically more intensive than for ordinary ringworm. Many patients receive oral antifungal medications for several weeks up to three months, depending on the infection’s severity and location. Topical creams that work for superficial ringworm may be inadequate for deeper or genital infections. Public-health guidance stresses completing the full course of medication to reduce recurrence — see reporting at Fox News and analysis at CIDRAP.
TMVII prevention and public health advice
- Notify partners: Tell recent sexual partners so they can seek care and testing.
- Avoid skin contact: Avoid all skin‑to‑skin contact, including sexual activity, until treatment is completed.
- No sharing: Do not share clothing, towels or bedding while infected.
- Laundry and sanitation: Wash sheets, towels and clothing on hot settings and sanitize bathing surfaces.
- Seek care: If a rash is persistent, painful or fails to respond to over‑the‑counter antifungals, see a clinician.
Public health response
The Minnesota Department of Health has asked clinicians to be alert to TMVII, report suspected cases, and support contact tracing and laboratory confirmation. Enhanced surveillance seeks to identify transmission networks so contacts can be offered testing and treatment. The CDC has noted TMVII cases in several U.S. cities and continues to monitor reports — see state updates at CBS News, additional coverage at Fox News, and analysis at CIDRAP.
Implications for Sonoma, California
Although the current cluster is centered in Minnesota, Sonoma County health providers and clinics should prepare for potential cases. The following considerations outline local implications and practical steps.
Economic impact
Diagnosing and treating TMVII could raise clinic visits, testing and medication demand. Local public-health budgets might need to cover added costs for outreach and education. Providers should consider stocking antifungal medications and advising low‑cost laundry and sanitation measures — as suggested in reporting and expert coverage.
Political consequences
Sonoma’s moderate political climate may favor clear, pragmatic public‑health messaging over politicized debate. Local leaders can work with county public health to provide transparent updates and nonjudgmental guidance — see analysis at CIDRAP.
Social effects
Because TMVII is linked to sexual contact, stigma is a risk. Sonoma health agencies should tailor outreach to higher‑risk communities without stigmatizing them. Partnering with local LGBTQ+ centers, sexual‑health clinics and community groups can help deliver supportive, factual messages — see coverage at Fox News.
Cultural relevance
With Sonoma’s culture of outdoor recreation and shared spaces, officials should remind residents that fungi can spread on shared towels, gym mats and clothing. Practical hygiene steps—avoid sharing personal items and wash gear on hot settings—align with community values of neighborly care and public‑health protection — see local reporting at CBS News.
Practical actions for residents
- If you or a partner has a persistent, round, itchy rash, seek medical evaluation and tell the clinician about recent sexual contacts.
- Avoid sexual and close skin contact until a provider confirms treatment completion — see guidance at CIDRAP.
- Do not share towels, clothing or bedding; wash items on hot and disinfect surfaces.
- If you work in clinics, gyms, salons or other settings with close skin contact, follow sanitation guidance and consider posting public‑health information about signs and prevention — see state reporting.
Sources and further reading
- Minnesota Department of Health statements and local reporting
- Fox News coverage and expert commentary
- KSTP timeline and local reporting
- CIDRAP analysis and public health context
- ABC local reporting
For residents in Sonoma concerned about TMVII symptoms, prevention or care, contact Sonoma County Public Health or your primary care provider for local testing and treatment options. Maintaining awareness, prompt clinical evaluation and clear partner notification are central to slowing spread.
