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2026-02-19 -Signs, Portents, and the Weather-

State [MN] confirms outbreak of sexually transmitted fungal infection, experts urge caution

[FoxNews] The condition is triggered by Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), the same fungal species that causes ringworm.

The primary symptom is round, red, irritated rashes that spread across the body, which can be itchy and painful, according to the state’s health alert.

"TMVII is a specific type of fungus that is part of a larger family that causes the usually benign but irksome conditions such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot," Dr. Hayden Andrews, an infectious disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

"The symptoms are similar to that of the usual cases of ringworm or jock itch and depend on the part of the body that became infected," he went on. "These usually manifest as round, itchy spots that may have a rough appearance and could be mistaken as eczema."

The first case of TMVII in Minnesota was confirmed in July 2025, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Since then, an additional 13 cases have been confirmed and another 27 are suspected in the area.

The first U.S. case was identified in New York in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed cases in multiple U.S. cities.

"In response to several individuals seeking care and providing information on other individuals that may also have been infected, MDH established an enhanced surveillance system to identify cases in Minnesota," MDH said in a statement.

TMVII spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with the fungus, including sexual activity, according to the alert.

Fungal spores can also spread via contaminated objects and surfaces, such as sharing towels at the gym or walking around barefoot in communal bathing facilities.

Todd Wills, MD, professor of internal medicine at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, noted that TMVII is the only identified fungal sexually transmitted disease.

"The populations currently at greatest risk are men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers; however, the infection can be spread from any infected individual," he told Fox News Digital. # id) ?>

Posted by Skidmark 2026-02-19 00:00|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [1807 views ] Top

1 [AI]
Sleep with Dogs Wake Up with Fleas

**If you sleep with dogs, you wake up with fleas** is a proverb warning that associating with undesirable or morally questionable people can lead to negative consequences, such as adopting their bad habits or suffering reputational damage by association.

- **Meaning**: The phrase metaphorically suggests that spending time with people of poor character may cause you to be judged similarly or to develop similar flaws, even if you're not directly involved in their actions.
- **Origin**: The saying dates back to at least the 16th century. The earliest known written version appears in James Sanford’s *Garden of Pleasure* (1573): *"He that goeth to bedde wyth Dogges, aryseth with fleas."* It also appears in Benjamin Franklin’s *Poor Richard’s Almanack* (1758) and in the works of John Webster (1612).
- **Variations**: Common alternate versions include *"If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas"* and *"If you lie down with dogs, you'll rise with fleas."* The core message remains consistent across versions.
- **Modern Use**: Today, it's used to caution against close associations with people whose behavior or reputation is questionable—whether in friendships, business, or relationships.

This saying remains widely recognized and is often cited in discussions about personal integrity, social influence, and the importance of choosing one’s company wisely.

Posted by Skidmark 2026-02-18 10:21|| 2026-02-18 10:21|| Front Page Top

2 Don't treat the symptom, treat the cause.

The treatment of Trichophyton mentagrophytes infections in animals involves a combination of topical therapy, systemic treatment, and environmental disinfection. Topical treatments are essential for speeding up the resolution of the infection and reducing the shedding of arthrospores into the environment. linkie

Posted by Besoeker 2026-02-18 10:42|| 2026-02-18 10:42|| Front Page Top

3 Just like the ~~Monkey Pox~~ MPox it appears to largely afflict a particular demographic

Posted by Frank G 2026-02-18 11:40|| 2026-02-18 11:40|| Front Page Top

4 A fungi to go out with, obviously.

Posted by Knuckles Grundy1702 2026-02-19 02:12|| 2026-02-19 02:12|| Front Page Top

5 I don’t think we’re going to respond to jock itch with a lock down. They need to get back in the lab and put in the work if they want victory in 3026.

Posted by Super Hose 2026-02-19 05:36|| 2026-02-19 05:36|| Front Page Top

6 Say "NO" to animal diddling. That includes diddling muzzies.

Posted by DarthVader 2026-02-19 08:32|| 2026-02-19 08:32|| Front Page Top

7 Ivermectin and be done. Topical Ivermax for surface rings.

Trouble is you can't spray the entire Minneapolis, Saint Cloud and the POS Mayo.

Posted by Woodrow 2026-02-19 11:24|| 2026-02-19 11:24|| Front Page Top

8 I'm afraid I must ask: Is there a Somali connection?

Posted by Abu Uluque 2026-02-19 12:44|| 2026-02-19 12:44|| Front Page Top

9 ^ "The populations currently at greatest risk are men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers; however, the infection can be spread from any infected individual," he told Fox News Digital

OR those who serve 40,000 ~~fictitious~~ meals a day

Posted by Frank G 2026-02-19 13:23|| 2026-02-19 13:23|| Front Page Top

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