A case of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal infection spreading among Gay men, has recently been confirmed in the state of Washington.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, commonly shortened to TMVII (pronounced “T-M-seven”), is an infection that creates round patches of red, irritated skin, known as ringworm, on the genitals, buttocks, or face. The condition is not lethal, but it is painful. The irritation can become chronic, rather than temporary, if left untreated.
TMVII spreads primarily through sexual contact, but transmission can occur from any skin-to-skin contact with an afflicted person’s rash. Those who have, or have been possibly exposed to, TMVII are advised to talk to their doctor about treatment, temporarily avoid skin-to-skin contact and rethink how they share personal items, like razors, towels, and bedding.
Following outbreaks in New York and Minnesota, Public Health – Seattle & King County reported knowledge of the first confirmed case of TMVII somewhere in King County, as of March 30. The department acknowledged other cases where TMVII was presumed and subsequently treated as such, but the actual diagnosis was never settled.
Treatment for TMVII is readily available, but unlike other forms of athlete’s foot or ringworm, TMVII is not typically cured by over-the-counter topical treatments. Instead, patients with confirmed or suspected TVMII should be treated with oral terbinafine, an antifungal medication, to be taken daily for 6-8 weeks.
Those confirmed to have TMVII, or suspected of having it, should encourage their sexual partners to seek testing. Pets can also catch TMVII, leading to irritated skin and hair loss, and should be immediately treated by a vet.
This is a developing public health story, so we recommend staying tuned to www.sgn.org for future updates and visiting Public Health – Seattle & King County’s TMVII webpage for the most up-to-date medical advice.
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