A case of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal infection spreading among Gay men, has recently been confirmed in the state of Washington.
Trichophyton mentagrotypes genotype VII, commonly shortened to TMVII (pronounced “T-M-seven”), is an infection that creates round patches of red, irritated skin, known as ringworms, 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 ringworms. Those who have, or have been possibly exposed to, TMVII are advised to 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, the Washington State Department of Health 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.
Testing and treatment for TMVII is readily available. Doctors are advised by the state Department of Health to perform a skin scraping test on patients, which would then be tested at the University of Washington for specific polymerase chain reactions, or PCRs.
If a PCR test comes back positive for TMVII, doctors are then advised to prescribe oral terbinafine, an antifungal medication, to be taken daily for 6-8 weeks. Topical treatments for TMVII are currently not advised.
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 doh.wa.gov for the most up-to-date medical advice.
Support the Seattle Gay News: Celebrate 52 Years with Us!
As the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ newspaper in the United States, the Seattle Gay News (SGN) has been a vital independent source of news and entertainment for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest since 1974.
As we celebrate our 52nd year, we need your support to continue our mission.
A monthly contribution will ensure that SGN remains a beacon of truth and a virtual gathering place for community dialogue.
Help us keep printing and providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ voices.
How you can donate!
Using this link: givebutter.com/6lZnDB
Text “SGN” to 53-555
Or Scan the QR code below!
