A rare strain of ringworm that is transmitted through sexual contact has been discovered in New York

With the emergence of a new, highly contagious fungal infection in New York City, health authorities are sounding the alarm and emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, especially during intimate encounters.

Recently, an unidentified man in his 30s from New York was diagnosed with the first reported case in the United States of Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, a rare strain of ringworm transmitted through sexual contact. This revelation, detailed in the journal JAMA Dermatology, has raised concerns among health experts.

Seek medical attention immediately

Dr. Avrom S. Caplan, who led the investigation into the man’s case, stressed the importance of awareness and early detection. He stressed that although there is no evidence of widespread spread of the infection, vigilance is crucial. Individuals suffering from persistent, itchy rashes – particularly in the groin area – that do not respond to conventional treatments are strongly advised to seek prompt medical attention.

This sexually transmitted strain of the fungus, TMVII, was previously identified in people with links to sex work in Southeast Asia and has now found its way to Europe. Contrary to previous beliefs, shaving the groin and intimate areas does not appear to increase the risk of contracting TMVII.

The case report revealed that the infected man developed a scaly and uncomfortable rash on his groin, genital area, legs, arms and back after traveling to various locations, including England, Greece and California – a clear indication of the potential severity of the infection. Since TMVII rashes can differ from the classic circular pattern associated with ringworm, correct identification and timely treatment are essential to contain the spread.

Growing public health concerns

Given the challenges posed by TMVII resistance to conventional antifungal therapies, medical professionals emphasize the need for targeted treatment plans to address this growing health problem.