About TMVII

On this page:
Background
Signs and Symptoms
Transmission
Complications
Prevention
Testing and Treatment
Resources

Background

Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII, said as “TM seven”) is a new kind of fungal skin infection that can cause tinea (ringworm). TMVII infection is associated with sexual contact, primarily among men who have sex with men.

In July 2025, the first case of TMVII was confirmed in a Minnesota resident who sought care for a genital rash. Since then, several additional cases have been identified.

Because TMVII is a new infection, information on this website will be updated as MDH investigates and learns more about transmission and treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

• TMVII can cause ringworm involving the face, genitals, buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs.
• Ringworm appears with round, coin-like rashes that are red and irritated, sometimes with bumps or pimples on top. Ringworm rashes might be itchy and painful.
• TMVII rashes can be mistaken for other conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or other kinds of skin infections.

Transmission

• TMVII spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with the rash, including through sexual contact.
• Fungal spores can also spread on surfaces (e.g., shared razors, sex toys, or linens).

Complications

Some patients might develop painful and persistent rashes that can lead to scarring or worsening infections that need to be treated with antibiotics. Seeking prompt treatment for TMVII lowers risk of worsening infections.

Prevention

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, if you or your partners have a new rash.
• Consider pausing or limiting sexual activity if there are individuals in your network reporting recent or new rashes. Individuals with new rashes consistent with TMVII should make sure the rashes remain covered with bandages or clothing, to minimize risk of unintentional spread.
• Notify sexual partners to seek care if you develop a new rash.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, bedding, razors, etc.
• After touching an area with TMVII infection, wash your hands with soap before touching another area of your body. Touching or scratching the affected area and then touching another area can spread the infection from one part of your body to another. Washing your hands well can prevent this spread.

Cleaning

• Fungal spores can be killed with common disinfectants like diluted chlorine bleach (1/4 cup per gallon water), benzalkonium chloride (a disinfectant used for cleaning hard surfaces), or strong detergents. Soak any shared items, such as sex toys or razors, in a bleach solution.
• Clothing, towels, bedding, and other shared linens should be laundered on high heat.

Testing and Treatment

• TMVII infections are treatable but generally require treatment with oral antifungal medication.
• Visit a healthcare provider at an STI clinic for evaluation and treatment.
• Avoid steroid creams as they will worsen TMVII infection.
• Pets can develop ringworm, though we don’t yet know if they can get TMVII. Bring pets to a veterinarian for evaluation if they develop a rash.