Skip to main content

Doctors Report First U.S. Cases of Sexually Transmitted Ringworm Rash

By Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 31, 2024.

via HealthDay

THURSDAY, Oct. 31, 2024 -- Doctors in New York City are describing the first known U.S. cases of sexually transmitted ringworm, which can cause a nasty rash that can take months to bring under control.

Despite the name, ringworm isn't any kind of worm but instead is a fungus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It's more commonly known as jock itch (when it affects the groin area) or athlete's foot, and can produce a round, itchy rash.

Until now, transmission of the fungal infection through skin-to-skin sexual contact has been rare, although cases have been reported in Southeast Asia and France since 2021, researchers reported. These have been a subtype of T. mentagrophytes called TMVII.

The new report concludes that the first U.S. case of sexually transmitted TMVII was reported in June, and "four additional TMVII infections were diagnosed during April-July 2024 in New York City among men who have sex with men."tri: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Oct. 31, 2024

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted October 2024

Read this next

Zicam and Orajel Swabs Recalled for Possible Fungal Contamination

THURSDAY, June 12, 2025 — Some nasal and baby teething swabs from Zicam and Orajel are being recalled across the country because they may be contaminated with fungus, U.S...

Midea Recalls 1.7 Million AC Units Over Mold Risk

WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2025 — More than 1.7 million window air conditioners are being recalled because of a risk for mold growth, which can lead to serious health...

Advice In Teen TikTok Beauty Videos Can Lead To Skin Damage

TUESDAY, June 10, 2025 — The TikTok video shows a teenage girl in braces applying a series of 14 beauty products to her face, an arsenal that costs nearly $350 all...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.