News of a sexually transmitted fungal infection sounds like a scary spinoff to “The Substance” or a part of Ryan Murphy’s new body horror show “The Beauty,” but it’s actually a real issue worrying doctors and researchers around the globe.
The infection, called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), typically causes a severe rash on the genitals, buttocks, arms, or legs. The infection presents very similarly to ringworm. The redness may be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
There is growing fear that it could be spreading through close contact and sexual encounters, putting the gay community on high alert to be even wiser about our sexual health.
The first discovery of TMVII on U.S. soil was found on a man in NYC, back in 2024. The man infected with TMVII shared that he had sex with men during his trips, but did not notice anyone with any ringworm-type rashes until returning home.
Experts agree he likely contracted TMVII after traveling to multiple locations, including England, Greece, and California. His sexual history included encounters with men during these travels, none of whom displayed obvious signs of infection.
Fast-forward: experts discovered it’s crept to the Midwest, with reports from Minnesota confirming 13 cases of TMVII as of February 17th, 2026.
Experts are raising alarms among experts due to its highly contagious nature and the possibility of rapid transmission through intimate contacts.
How to Spot TMVII
TMVII has many of the same conditions found on people who contract ringworm, including itchy, scaly, round red patches on the skin. These can appear anywhere on the body but are particularly concerning when found on or near the genitals, buttocks, arms, or legs.
Because TMVII can resemble eczema, individuals may delay seeking medical attention. If you notice unusual rashes or persistent skin irritation, especially in the genital area, consult a healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and treatment.
If you believe you may have been exposed to TMVII, the CDC recommends avoiding skin-to-skin contact with affected areas and refraining from sharing personal items until symptoms have fully resolved.
Fortunately, TMVII is treatable. Standard antifungal therapies are effective, but the recovery process can be lengthy, sometimes taking several months for the skin to completely clear.
Health officials also advise that sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with TMVII should be informed and evaluated if they experience symptoms.
Dr. Hayden Andrews, an infectious disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, told reporters more about this uncommon illness.
“TMVII is a specific type of fungus belonging to a family responsible for common but bothersome conditions such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot,” Dr. Andrews explains.
“The populations currently at greatest risk are men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers; however, the infection can be spread from any infected individual,” he told Fox News Digital.
Treatment can last six to eight weeks, even reaching twelve in some cases. Hospitalization may be required.
Testing for TMVII includes collecting skin scrapings for fungal culture and submitting isolates to the state public health laboratory to confirm testing. If you believe your clothes came into contact with the fungal infection or spores, wash your clothing on high heat or simply throw them away.
If a ringworm-like rash shows up on your body, speak to a doctor immediately.
