Rare genital fungus Jock Itch cases rise in New York

The rare genital fungus known as Jock Itch (tinea cruris) has seen a rise in cases in New York this year, according to health reports. In June, the US confirmed its first case of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), the fungus causing the infection, followed by four more cases identified between April and June 2024, per a CDC report.

Genital tinea affects the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks, causing an itchy rash. All four New York patients were cisgender men aged 30-39, reporting recent sexual contact with other men. TMVII cases in men who have sex with men have also been reported in France and Southeast Asia.

This infection thrives in warm, moist areas and typically responds to non-prescription antifungal treatments, including creams and powders applied for 2-4 weeks, as per CDC guidelines.