FACT-CHECK: Viral Post Exaggerates Claim About Sexually Transmitted Ringworm Fungus
BY: Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho
Claim:
A viral social media post claims that a dangerous “sexually transmitted ringworm fungus” is spreading rapidly through intimate contact and causing severe infections around the groin and buttocks area.
Verdict:
Misleading. Although medical experts confirm that some fungal infections can spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, the viral post exaggerates the threat, lacks medical context, and uses an unverified image to create fear.
Full Text:
A graphic image circulating widely on social media shows severe rashes around the buttocks and groin area alongside warnings about a “sexually transmitted ringworm fungus.” The post suggests that people engaging in intimate relationships risk developing dangerous and difficult-to-treat fungal infections.
The claim has generated panic online, with many users believing there is a new widespread sexually transmitted disease outbreak linked to ringworm infections.
What we Found:
However, an investigation into the claim shows that while some parts are medically accurate, the information is presented in a misleading and sensationalised manner.
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes, not worms. The infection commonly affects warm and moist parts of the body, including the groin area, where it is known medically as tinea cruris or “jock itch.”
Health experts confirm that fungal infections can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. In recent years, doctors identified a fungal strain known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), which has been associated with transmission during sexual contact in some reported cases.
The infection may cause itchy, inflamed, ring-shaped rashes around the groin, buttocks, thighs, or genital area. However, experts say most infections remain treatable with antifungal medication and proper hygiene.
Verification:
Checks by medical institutions including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm that ringworm infections spread through contaminated surfaces, towels, clothing, shared spaces, pets, and direct contact with infected skin.
Medical reports from Europe and the United States also confirm that some fungal strains have been linked to intimate contact. However, there is no evidence that a global emergency or uncontrollable outbreak currently exists.
The viral post also fails to provide the source of the graphic image used in the claim. No hospital, doctor, or medical institution has publicly verified the image. Online tracking further shows that similar images have appeared previously in unrelated health discussions, raising concerns that the image may have been recycled or miscaptioned.
Experts additionally warn that many skin conditions can resemble fungal infections, including eczema, psoriasis, bacterial infections, and other sexually transmitted diseases. They advise against self-diagnosis based on viral social media posts.
The investigation found no evidence supporting suggestions that severe fungal infections automatically result from cheating or sexual activity, as implied in the viral message.
Conclusion:
The viral claim contains some factual information but is presented in a misleading and fear-driven manner.
While certain fungal infections can spread through intimate skin contact, there is no evidence of a widespread public health crisis involving “sexually transmitted ringworm fungus.” Most infections remain treatable, and the graphic image used in the viral post has not been independently verified.
Health professionals advise individuals experiencing persistent skin rashes or irritation to seek proper medical diagnosis instead of relying on viral social media claims.
