A less common form of ringworm called TMVII has been showing up in several US cities, and health officials have asked doctors to watch for it. It is a fungal skin infection, not a worm, and it is curable with prescription medicine. What sets it apart is that it can spread through close skin contact, including sexual contact, and it often needs weeks of oral treatment rather than a cream. Here is what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health departments say about it.
What TMVII is
Ringworm, known medically as tinea, is a common skin infection caused by fungi called dermatophytes. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are familiar examples, and most cases clear up with over the counter antifungal creams. TMVII is an emerging strain of one of these fungi. The CDC describes it as causing more inflammatory, itchy and painful lesions than typical ringworm, and notes that it may need prolonged treatment by mouth.
Unlike everyday ringworm, which usually passes through gyms, pets or shared floors, TMVII has been linked mainly to close personal contact. Reports from Europe pointed to local spread before the first US cases were documented.
Where it has been found in the US
The first US cases were documented in New York City in 2024. Since then, sporadic cases have been reported in larger cities. On February 11, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Health issued a health advisory describing more than 30 confirmed or suspected cases in the Twin Cities metro area, which it called the largest known TMVII outbreak in the country. Minnesota’s first case had been confirmed in July 2025. Public Health Seattle and King County also publishes guidance for residents.
Because TMVII is not a nationally reportable condition, nobody has a complete count. Recent US cases have occurred mostly among men who have sex with men, but the CDC stresses that anyone can get it.
Symptoms to look for
TMVII causes a skin rash that can look like many other conditions. According to the CDC and local health departments, common features include:
- Red, scaly patches, often ring shaped with a clearer center
- Itching that can be intense, and sometimes pain
- Bumps, pustules or swollen, inflamed areas
- Rash on the groin, genitals, buttocks or thighs, but also on the face, beard area, trunk, arms or legs
- A rash that keeps coming back or does not improve with standard antifungal creams
King County health officials say the time from exposure to symptoms appears to be about two to three weeks, although the exact incubation period is not known. Without prompt treatment, the rash can become painful and persistent and may lead to scarring or secondary bacterial infections.
How it spreads
Direct contact with an infected rash, including during sexual or other intimate contact.
Towels, bedding, clothing and razors that have touched affected skin.
Fungal spores can linger on fabrics and surfaces, which is why washing linens on high heat is advised.
Diagnosis and treatment
Because TMVII can resemble eczema, psoriasis, syphilis, herpes or mpox, the CDC recommends testing when possible. A clinician may take skin scrapings to confirm a fungal infection. Identifying the exact strain requires specialized lab methods, such as sequencing, and results can take weeks, so treatment usually starts before confirmation.
The CDC lists oral terbinafine, 250 mg once a day, as the first choice. Treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks and continues until the rash is fully gone, and some experts add about two more weeks to reduce relapse. Courses shorter than two weeks do not work. Itraconazole is an alternative if terbinafine is not effective. Clinicians usually check progress at about four weeks.
Prevention and when to see a doctor
See a healthcare provider, a dermatologist or a sexual health clinic if you have a rash that is spreading, painful, unusually itchy, or not improving with standard care, especially if a close contact has a similar rash. Mention any recent travel or new partners so the clinician can consider TMVII and test for other infections if appropriate.
If you are diagnosed, health departments recommend:
- Take the full course of medication, even after the rash fades.
- Avoid sexual and other close skin contact until the rash has fully healed, and keep any lesions covered if contact happens.
- Do not share towels, bedding, clothing or razors, and wash linens on high heat.
- Wash your hands after touching affected skin and avoid scratching.
- Let recent partners know so they can seek care if they develop a rash.
FAQ
Is TMVII dangerous?
It is not considered life threatening, and health officials rate the overall public risk as low. It can, however, be painful, slow to heal and leave scars if it is not treated properly.
Can TMVII be cured?
Yes. It responds to prescription oral antifungal medicine, although treatment often lasts several weeks to three months.
Is it the same as regular jock itch?
It is related, but TMVII tends to be more inflamed and stubborn, and it usually needs oral medication instead of a cream.
Do I need a special test?
A clinician can start treatment based on your symptoms. Confirming the exact strain requires specialized testing that health departments may arrange.
The verdict
TMVII is a stubborn but treatable fungal skin infection, not a cause for panic. The key steps are simple: get any persistent or unusual rash checked, skip steroid creams, finish the full course of prescribed medicine and avoid close contact until the skin has healed.
Updated October 2026: rewritten as a public health explainer based on current CDC clinical guidance and state and local health department advisories on TMVII.
Featured photo: Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash.
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