Rare infection 'jock itch' surfaces in the US: Disease linked to sexual activity

A rare and highly contagious fungus called 'jock itch' has emerged in New York, causing rashes around the genital area. The US CDC has reported four cases so far.

In Short

• An emerging fungal infection surfaces in the US
• Known as 'jock itch', the infection can spread through sexual activity
• It is treated with antifungal medicines

A rare fungus is emerging in New York, US, called "jock itch" that causes a highly contagious rash around the genital area. According to a US health report, the fungus that causes this infection, known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), was identified in June as the first case in the US.

Four more cases have been reported now, as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In a statement, the US health agency said, "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. Patient B reported travel to Europe; the other patients reported no recent international travel history. Each patient was screened for other concomitant sexually transmitted infections and received negative test results."

Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) or "jock itch" is a fungus that spreads through sexual contact that can cause itchy, scaly lesions on the trunk, groin, genitals, or face.

Some patients might experience inflammation or a painful rash that could lead to a bacterial infection.

The US CDC alerted dermatologists to be aware about TMVII as an emerging infection that can spread through sex.

Tinea cruris (name of the diagnosis) can be treated with antifungal medicines. While the infection can take months to clear up, antifungal creams, ointments or powders can help manage the rash between 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, prolonged treatment is required.