First Ever US Cases of Severe, Contagious, Drug-Resistant Ringworm Reported

First Ever US Cases of Severe, Contagious, Drug-Resistant Ringworm Reported
File photo of a close view of a ringworm infection. CDC/ Dr. Lucille K. Georg
|Updated:
0:00

At least two patients in New York City have been infected with antimicrobial-resistant ringworm, the first such cases in the United States with severe skin conditions.

Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a common, superficial infection of the skin, hair, or nails. It’s caused by a certain type of fungi that feed on keratin. It’s highly contagious and spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.

Related Topics