CDC Warning Over Genital Fungus ‘Emerging’ in New York City

A fungus that causes genital infections has seen a spike in cases in New York City, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
The fungus, named Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), was first detected in the U.S. in June this year, with four subsequent cases popping up between April and July 2024 in New York City.
Infection with TMVII caused genital tinea, also known as Tinea cruris or “jock itch,” which affects the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.
“Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), an emerging fungus, causes genital tinea that can be spread through sex and might require prolonged treatment. The first U.S. case was reported in June 2024,” the CDC report stated.
The four additional cases in NYC were all in men who have sex with men, indicating that TMVII can be spread via sexual contact.
“All four patients were cisgender men aged 30–39 years who reported recent sexual contact with other men. Patients A and D reported sexual contact with each other; patients B and C had no known epidemiologic link to anyone with known TMVII infection. Patient D was a sex worker,” the CDC explained.
Patient B has recently traveled to Europe, but the three other patients reported no recent international travel history. The first case in the U.S. had also traveled to several countries in Europe and to California, and had sexual contact with multiple men while traveling.
“TMVII infections have been reported among men who have sex with men in France since March 2021 and previously in men who traveled to Southeast Asia for sex tourism,” the CDC said.
TMVII is a dermatophyte, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. Genital tinea can also be caused by a number of other dermatophyte species, and is more common in men, often occurring in athletes or individuals who sweat heavily, wear tight clothing, or don’t change out of damp clothes quickly.
Also caused by dermatophytes, tinea on the body or scalp is also often called ringworm, due to the ring-shaped rash it can cause, but it is unrelated to any actual worms. Tinea of the feet, also caused by the same type of fungus, is generally known as athlete’s foot.
The primary symptoms of genital tinea include an itchy, red, and ring-shaped rash, flaky or peeling skin, and sometimes a burning sensation.
“TMVII can cause pruritic, annular, scaly lesions on the trunk, groin, genitals, or face; might be mistaken for eczema, psoriasis, or other dermatologic conditions,” the CDC explained. “Some patients experience inflamed, painful, and persistent lesions that can lead to scarring or secondary bacterial infection.”
All infected patients were successfully treated with antifungals.
Over-the-counter creams containing ingredients like clotrimazole or terbinafine are often effective, but in more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungals. Keeping the area clean, dry, and wearing loose clothing can help prevent recurrence.
The CDC report notes that this particular strain of fungus appears prone to spreading via sex.
“Health care providers should be aware that TMVII can spread through sexual contact and cause lesions on the genitals, buttocks, face, trunk, or extremities,” the report states. “Health care providers should advise patients with TMVII infection about the importance of avoiding skin-to-skin contact with affected areas and not sharing personal items until symptom resolution.”
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Zucker J, Caplan AS, Gunaratne SH, et al. Notes from the Field: Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII — New York City, April–July 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:985–988. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7343a5.