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King County health officials warn of sexually transmitted fungus spread
The health department is sending out a warning about a new sexually transmitted infection that has been discovered in King County.
SEATTLE - Public health officials are sounding the alarm after a rare, sexually transmitted fungal infection was identified in King County.
Known as TMVII (Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII), the infection is a highly contagious form of ringworm that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity.
While only one case has been officially confirmed in King County so far, experts believe more cases are likely circulating undetected in the community.
What is TMVII?
New to the United States, TMVII has been documented globally. The first U.S. case was identified in New York roughly two years ago.
Since then, other regions have seen spikes in activity, including a recent outbreak of approximately 30 cases in Minnesota.
Dr. Matthew Golden, with Public Health — Seattle & King County, notes that while the infection is not life-threatening, it requires specific medical intervention.
Symptoms
TMVII presents similarly to traditional ringworm but is often concentrated in the groin or genital area. Residents should look for:
- Intense itching
- Scaly skin texture
- Circular, red rashes (the classic "ring" shape)
Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges
Because TMVII is relatively new to the region, it can be difficult for some healthcare providers to diagnose immediately.
Standard over-the-counter topical creams used for athlete's foot or basic ringworm are ineffective against this specific strain, said Golden.
He says curing the infection typically requires oral medication.
Patients should be prepared for a longer recovery process, as the treatment can take several weeks or even months to fully clear the infection from the system.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice a persistent, itchy, or circular rash in the genital area that does not respond to standard treatments, health officials recommend contacting a healthcare provider.
For more information, visit Public Health - Seattle and King County.
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The Source: Information in this story came from Public Health - Seattle and King County and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.