New STI Alert: Understanding the Rise of Sexually Transmitted Ringworm
🦠New Fungus Alert: Sexually Transmitted Ringworm Cases in the U.S.🦠
Remember that new(ish) fungal STI I talked about in June? Well, it’s making headlines again. The emerging Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) —say that three times fast— is causing genital tinea infections (AKA ringworm) that can transmit via sexual contact. The confirmed cases have been in NYC among men who have sex with men. These can appear as itchy, scaly rashes on areas like the face and genitals.
Most news headlines will give you a clickbait title to provoke you to click on the article, a tactic that often results in more fear than education.
The CDC is now reminding health care providers to be aware and mindful of TMVII since it can transmit via sexual contact, but it’s not something you’ll be tested for in a standard STI testing panel, nor will it likely be added.
It’s nothing to freak out about, it’s just a reminder of the importance of practicing sexual health as self-care, getting tested for STIs, and communicating with your partners.
SOURCE
CDC (2024, October 31). Notes from the Field: Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII — New York City, April - July 2024.