ALERT: Rare, Highly Contagious Sexually Transmitted Infection Hits U.S.

A rare, but highly contagious form of ringworm that can spread via sexual contact has been spotted in the U.S. for the first time. Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a skin infection caused by a variety of fungi. In this case, a fungus is the culprit. It’s previously been documented in Southeast Asia and in Europe. For example, in 2023, Paris-based doctors published a case series of 13 infections documented among men in the city. Where those recent cases took place highly suggest that the fungus might currently be circulating within that demographic, although anyone can develop the infection. Now, in a paper published in June 2024 in JAMA Dermatology, doctors in New York City have reported what they believe to be the first U.S. case of the infection. The new case involves a New York City native man in his 30s who reported having sex with multiple men during a trip to England, Greece and California. When he got home, he developed a red, itchy rash on his legs and across his groin and buttocks. Tests revealed he had a sexually transmitted fungus, called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII). It is the first time the fungus has been...