After US reports 2 highly contagious ringworm cases, CDC says ‘World is not ready’: Report

The United States has reported two cases of a highly contagious and drug-resistant fungal disease, known as tinea or ringworm. This has raised an alarm among medical professionals.

Two women, aged 28 and 47 have been found infected with the drug-resistant strain of ringworm, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated a report published in Mirror. The women experienced lesions on various parts of their bodies. Their family members are also facing the symptoms of the infection. The CDC has warned that "the world is not prepared" for what is to come.
Professor David Denning from the University of Manchester, an expert in infectious diseases, stated that the fungal infection, which can easily spread in schools and households, is now being observed in multiple countries. The new species responsible for the drug-resistant ringworm is called Trichophyton indotineae, first identified in India. The fungus has now spread to other countries, including Canada, Germany, and now the United States.

A 28-year-old woman noticed rashes on her body in the summer of 2021. It was the first time the United States registered such a case. She sought medical attention in December when the rashes became larger and scaly. Despite receiving antifungal treatment, the rash persisted. Finally, a four-week course of the antifungal itraconazole was prescribed, which cleared the rash.

The second case involved a 47-year-old woman who developed extensive rashes while traveling in Bangladesh. Upon returning to the US, she tried various creams to alleviate the rash, but they had no effect. After visiting a medical center multiple times, she was given two four-week courses of medication, resulting in an 80% improvement in the rash. Both the 47-year-old woman and her family members experienced widespread, scaly ring-like rashes on their thighs and buttocks.

The CDC confirmed that the strain of ringworm in these cases is Trichophyton indotineae, which is currently spreading in India and other parts of South Asia. Professor Denning explained that previous fungal infections of this nature were successfully treated with oral terbinafine for three weeks.

Medical professionals are now warning that the world is unprepared for the spread of this highly contagious fungal disease. The ease of transmission in schools, homes, and through intimate contact raises concerns about controlling the infection.

FAQs

What is the main cause of tinea?
It is caused by a fungal infection—not an actual worm. Fungi on the skin, hair, and nail bed are called dermatophytes.

Is tinea easy to cure?
Fungi can live for a long time on the skin. Because of this, tinea infection is hard to cure and can come back easily.