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

Minnesota health officials are warning of an outbreak of a contagious fungal skin infection.

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.

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"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.

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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.

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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. 

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"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.

Those with a history of sexually transmitted infections are also at higher risk.

"Diagnosis is often made based on the appearance of the rash and its lack of responsiveness to typical over-the-counter antifungal medications," Wills said. "A confirmed diagnosis may require a sample of the rash via skin scraping, although treatment is often initiated before results of these tests are available."

The Minnesota outbreak is unique not in the type of infection, but in the way it is spread, according to Andrews.

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"The cases in Minnesota, and previously in New York in 2024, were spread by sexual contact and genetically found to be TMVII. This suggests it is spreading in networks and thus can cause outbreaks," he said. 

The lesions can be more widespread and serious in people who are immunocompromised, Andrews noted. If left treated, some rashes may lead to scarring or worsening infections.

"While routine cases of ringworm or athlete's foot typically resolve with antifungal creams in a few days, we are finding that TMVII often requires antifungal pills, sometimes for several weeks for complete resolution," the doctor said. "Fortunately, our current antifungal medications appear to work against TMVII."

To help decrease the spread, the doctors agreed that people with symptoms should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact and refrain from sharing personal items, like towels and linens.

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"Similarly, all linens and towels in the household should be thoroughly washed on high heat and bathing areas sanitized," Andrews added.

Anyone with symptoms should seek immediate medical care, health officials advised. Minnesota healthcare providers are urged to report any suspected cases for lab testing.

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Family pleads for kidney donor as teen’s health declines: 'We need help'

A New Jersey family is desperately seeking a living donor to save Thaddeus Giansanti, an eighth-grader who was born with kidney disease. 

Thaddeus has had multiple surgeries throughout his 13 years, including one to remove his kidney as a baby.

Despite his struggles, he has remained positive and optimistic, his parents shared with Fox News Digital.

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"His remaining kidney is now failing," said his father, Carlo Giansanti. "We are not a match, so now we’re asking for help from the community."

The family first found out about Thaddeus’ kidney disease before he was born, when an ultrasound detected a potential issue.

"It was nothing alarming at that point — it looked like he had extra fluid when he was born," Thaddeus' mother, Christa DeMark, shared with Fox News Digital. "Everything seemed normal, but right before we were leaving, they noticed an elevated creatinine number (a measure of kidney function in blood tests) that led to us being in touch with nephrology."

"There was something wrong with the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and the formation of the kidneys."

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Thaddeus spent an extended period of time in the NICU, where he had multiple procedures. Before he was even 5 months old, he underwent a left nephrectomy to remove his left kidney. 

His remaining kidney was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, which has required lifelong medications.

"He's been with nephrology and nephrologists his entire life, and up until last year, everything's been stable, but that’s been slowly changing," DeMark said. "He’s getting bigger and it's been putting more stress on his remaining kidney."

Doctors informed the family that their best course of action would be to find a living donor.

"Everything's been sped up based on his bloodwork lately," DeMark said. "So it's looking like we need something quicker than we thought, which is why we’re looking for living donors."

If Thaddeus does not receive a kidney transplant within a couple of weeks, he will need to be put on dialysis, according to his doctors.

"It’s obviously been challenging for him," DeMark said. "He's dealing with it very well, but these are difficult situations we're navigating."

His parents describe Thaddeus as a smart, outgoing boy — a straight-A student who was recently awarded multiple scholarships for next year, when he will become a high-school freshman.

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Thaddeus is very athletic and enjoys playing soccer, golfing and fencing. He also plays piano and often volunteers in his community, including being an altar server and working with the local food pantry.

"He loves his family, and loves doing things with his family," DeMark said. "He's just a great kid."

Thaddeus' parents said they have not shared much about their son's medical condition until now. "We wanted Thad to just be the bright, happy person that he is, so we've minimized it for years," DeMark said. 

But in the last couple of weeks, as their son’s condition has become more dire, they have started to speak out about their situation.

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"We never expected to have such an outpouring of people who cared or people trying to help — it’s been incredibly humbling," DeMark said.

"It has pushed us to rely on faith in a way that's very palpable — we are just coming together as a family and taking each day as it comes," she went on. "We are remaining hopeful because we know there's a solution to this problem. We just need help."

To be considered for the donation program, kidney donors must be 45 or younger, have a BMI under 30 and match Thaddeus’ O blood type.

For those who are considering becoming donors, DeMark emphasized that it entails a laparoscopic procedure with a "fairly quick" healing process that is covered by their insurance, not the donor’s.

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"The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up," she added. "He is a great kid, a kind kid."

Those interested in being considered as a donor can complete this Kidney Transplant Living Donor Questionnaire.

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Jessie James Decker reveals one wellness habit she never skips to look and feel her best

Country music star Jessie James Decker is getting real about her health and fitness this year, alongside her family.

In a viral moment posted to Instagram, Decker, who is married to former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker, shared a video of her squatting with a barbell at the gym. The caption reads: "2026 energy! LFG💪"

The video, which has more than 111,000 likes, promotes a focus on "marriage body," rather than "revenge body."

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"Forget revenge body. How about marriage body," the text on the video reads. "How about we get hotter & hotter for the person who chose us forever"

The post received praise from other celebrities and influencers.

"Biggest fan of this belief," actress and wellness influencer Daniella Monet commented.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Decker revealed some of her top wellness habits that help her uphold these standards, while feeling her best mentally and physically.

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The mother of four responded that her No. 1 wellness tip is drinking lots of water.

"Water, water, water," she said. "I drink water all day. I even have it next to my bed, drinking it all night."

"My mom swears by it. My mom walks miles and miles every day, drinks tons of water, and she literally looks like she's aging backwards," the singer added. "We're like Benjamin Button. We're about to meet in the middle and look the same age here soon. She looks incredible."

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In addition to focusing on hydration, Decker continues to follow many of her mother's practices, including eating "really healthy."

"We cook everything at home. I mean, I barely go out," she said. "Everything I make is from scratch from home."I really think when you know what you're putting in your body, that's the best bet always."

She summarized, "Water, cook at home and just stay active — it's really that simple."

Decker also instills this mentality into her children — Vivianne, Eric Jr., Forrest and Denver — as sports, outdoor play and pickleball are daily rituals in their household.

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"You know, Vivi’s a gymnast — she’s in the gym five days a week ... And little Eric is constantly doing sports," she told Fox News Digital.

"They’re active … they are busy, busy, busy. They don’t sit around on iPads. They’re out there in the wildlife, barefoot and being free."

Staying active is something the entire family embraces together, especially when they’re traveling.

"We’ve done family workouts together, [and] we stay active together," the singer said. "Maybe when we’re on vacation, we’re doing bike rides together, or whether it’s a football game outside or throwing the ball on the beach."

One sport in particular has become a family favorite.

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"We love pickleball. That’s probably the thing we all do every day," Decker said. "We have a pickleball court in the backyard, and if we go on vacation, my husband’s like, ‘Is there a pickleball court at this place?’"

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Largest measles outbreak in recent history reported on southwestern college campus

More than 40 measles cases have been reported at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, marking the largest outbreak on an American college campus in recent history. 

The situation at the private Catholic college comes amid a broader national increase in measles cases, with 2,280 confirmed infections nationwide in 2025 and more than 900 cases reported so far in 2026.

"Since the start of the semester, 48 nurse-assessed students have progressed beyond the contagious period and now have natural immunity," Ave Maria University posted in an online update on Feb. 10.

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Several universities have reported measles activity this year. Clemson University and Anderson University in South Carolina each reported single cases that led to the quarantine of a larger group of students. 

The University of Florida also reported exposure in two specific classes at its Gainesville campus.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recently updated its data to show 46 confirmed measles cases across Collier County from Jan. 1 through Feb. 7, with the university serving as the primary site of the cluster.

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The contagious period for measles includes the four days before and after a rash appears, according to the DOH.

"All nurse-assessed students on campus within the four-day contagious period following the onset of a rash are in quarantine," the university stated in the latest update.

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Ave Maria University requires proof of vaccination but, in accordance with Florida law, allows students to opt out by signing a waiver for religious or personal reasons.

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The "vast majority" of the campus community is vaccinated, according to university health updates. The school remains open for normal operations, including in-person classes and Mass.

People with a history of infection or who have received the full series of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization are 98% protected and are unlikely to contract measles, according to the DOH.

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Food pyramid backlash: Low-fat era may have fueled obesity, diabetes, says doctor

The Trump administration’s January rollout of the new, inverted food pyramid has sparked some debate in nutrition circles, as it places a stronger emphasis on dairy, red meats and foods higher in fat.

The top of the pyramid, which is now the wider part of the structure, is built on meat, fats, fruits and vegetables, while whole grains are at the narrow bottom.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Mark Hyman, co-founder of Function Health and author of the new book "Food Fix Uncensored," commented on the backlash the new guidelines have received.

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"The pyramid is just a graphic representation of the content … and it's really impossible to create a proper visual that's going to satisfy everybody," said the Massachusetts-based expert. "Could it have been better? Sure."

Although he acknowledged there is room for improvement, Hyman, host of "The Dr. Hyman Show" podcast, praised the new model for focusing on what’s been driving obesity in America.

"Did it flip the script from what we used to have, which was a low-fat, high-carb set of recommendations from the government that caused the obesity, diabetes epidemic and all the resulting costs and consequences on society?" he asked. "Yeah, we needed to fix that."

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In his new book, Hyman writes that a central component of America’s dietary policy is what Americans are told to eat — and why.

The doctor highlighted key updates to U.S. dietary guidance, including a stronger emphasis on whole foods, limits on highly processed products and sugar-sweetened beverages, and revised protein recommendations to "reflect the current science."

"This is revolutionary," Hyman said.

The updated pyramid also recommends consuming whole grains, while previous guidance green-lit white flour in portions, which the doctor says is not optimal for human health.

The guidelines are "a bit more protein-forward" than before, Hyman noted, with less of an emphasis on low-fat and non-fat dairy. The expert called the low-fat movement "problematic."

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"The data didn't support it," he said. "It was maybe even the opposite — there was some evidence that kids who had low-fat or non-fat milk actually had more obesity issues because it's not as satisfying."

"On the whole, I think [the guidelines are] a big improvement," Hyman said. "Are they perfect? No. Were there problems? Yes. But it's a radical departure from what was, and I think it was a good step in the right direction."

Many Americans struggle with a variety of health conditions that may require specialized diets, such as high cholesterol, inflammation or lactose intolerance.

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Hyman noted that if he had written the guidelines himself, he would have specified that dairy is not a mandatory recommendation.

"There's no scientific evidence that humans require it," he said. "It's a perfectly fine choice if you want to make it."

Dairy consumption should be a "personalized choice" based on how it affects a person, said the doctor, adding that it would be "problematic" guidance to tell Americans they must choose three servings per day.

"It should be understood that 75% of the population is lactose-intolerant, that many people have inflammatory or other issues as a result of consuming dairy — and it should be a personalized choice based on how it affects them."

Consuming protein also requires a level of personalization, the expert said, particularly for those who have certain medical conditions, like kidney failure.

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"[The government] could have made more nuanced statements around aging and longevity … and [around] higher protein needs when you're older, when you are sick, and so forth," Hyman added. "I think there's some nuance there that could have been underscored."

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Simple food combo may outperform omega-3 supplements for reducing inflammation

A simple dietary pairing could offer broader immune benefits than omega-3s alone.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that pairing kefir with a prebiotic fiber mix led to greater reductions in inflammation markers than omega-3 supplements or fiber alone.

The findings, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, suggest that supporting gut bacteria may play an important role in immune and metabolic function.

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Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to yogurt that contains live bacteria and yeast.

When kefir was combined with prebiotic fiber, researchers observed a stronger effect. Prebiotic fiber feeds healthy bacteria in the gut, helping them grow and function more effectively, the study explained.

As those beneficial bacteria thrive, they produce natural substances that help calm inflammation in the body.

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In the six-week study, people who took the kefir-and-fiber combination showed the biggest drop in markers linked to whole-body inflammation.

Those who took omega-3 supplements or fiber alone also improved, but not to the same degree, the study suggested.

"Our study shows that while all three dietary approaches reduced inflammation, the synbiotic — combining fermented kefir with a diverse prebiotic fiber mix — had the most powerful and wide-ranging effects," said Amrita Vijay, a gut microbiome scientist who led the research.

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The researchers measured systemic inflammatory markers, which indicate inflammation occurring throughout the body.

Inflammation is a normal immune response, but chronic, low-level inflammation that persists over time has been linked to conditions such as heart disease and metabolic conditions, according to Cleveland Clinic.

The findings suggest that combining probiotics and prebiotics may provide broader support than relying on a single supplement.

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"This suggests that the interaction between gut microbes and dietary fiber may be key to supporting immune balance and metabolic health," Vijay said.

The team plans to further investigate how synbiotic supplementation may affect individuals with chronic inflammatory disorders.

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Study challenges negative cannabis stereotypes, claiming link to brain benefits

While cannabis has recently come under fire for potential negative health risks, a recent study suggests that its use could increase brain volume and cognitive fitness.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus analyzed cannabis usage, brain scans and cognitive test results for more than 26,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 77, using data from the UK biobank.

The study found that cannabis users — particularly those who reported moderate lifetime usage — showed larger volumes in several brain regions.

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"Compared to individuals with no history of cannabis use, those who reported using cannabis showed larger volumes in several brain regions characterized by a high density of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors — regions involved in processes such as memory, information processing and emotion regulation," lead study author Anika Guha, PhD, a researcher at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, told Fox News Digital.

The cannabis users also scored better on cognitive tests that measured learning, processing speed and executive function. 

This outcome differs from many previous studies, which have focused on short-term cognitive impairment during or shortly after cannabis use, the researcher pointed out.

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"These findings suggest that the relationship between cannabis and the brain may differ across the lifespan, and that moderate use in mid-to-later adulthood may be associated with positive brain health outcomes," Guha said.

Not all areas of the brain showed positive effects among cannabis users. The posterior cingulate, which is involved in self-reflection and memory, had lower volume with higher marijuana use.

As cannabis has been rising in popularity among all ages, this type of study is important for understanding its long-term effects and the pros and cons of use, according to Matt Glowiak, PhD, chief addiction specialist with Recovered, an organization that provides information and resources for mental health and addiction treatment.

"Given the connection between cannabis use and larger brain volume, it is believed that it may help [older] individuals retain cognitive function that might otherwise naturally decline," Chicago-based Glowiak, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"This is a huge benefit, but one we need to explore a bit further, ahead of encouraging those who would otherwise not consider integrating cannabis into their healthcare regimen."

As the study was observational in nature, it could not prove that cannabis use improves brain health — instead, it only showed an association, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, who was not involved in the study.

"The preponderance of previous evidence does not line up with improved cognitive function from chronic cannabis use," Siegel told Fox News Digital. "This study is an outlier, and though it cannot be ignored, it is not justification for use."

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The study also relied on the UK Biobank, which offers a "large and rich dataset," Guha said — but it is limited to the questions that were originally posed to the participants.

"In particular, we have only a broad measure of how many times someone has used cannabis over their lifetime," she said. "We do not have access to details about how they used cannabis, such as whether they smoked or used edibles, the type or potency of cannabis, or when in their life they used most heavily."

"Those details likely matter a great deal for understanding how cannabis affects the aging brain."

Given these limitations, Guha suggests that the findings should be seen as an early indicator that cannabis use may be related to brain aging, "and as a starting point for more targeted research that can tease apart these relationships."

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"The takeaway is not that people should start using more cannabis based on these findings alone," she emphasized. "While cannabis may have potential benefits in some contexts, a substantial body of research also documents important risks, underscoring that cannabis is neither completely beneficial nor completely harmful."

The drug’s effects likely depend on factors such as age, dose, frequency, product composition and individual vulnerability, according to Guha.

"As with any substance, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before initiating use, particularly if they have a history of mental health concerns, as THC (the primary psychoactive component of cannabis) can exacerbate symptoms such as psychosis in vulnerable individuals," she added.

Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, reiterated that this study is an "outlier," as most previous research has shown "detrimental effects" from cannabis use. 

"Given the widespread use and legalization of cannabis, it would be great to know that it is net-positive for brain health — however, this feels too good to be true, and too early to claim," he said. "I would advise proceeding with caution and moderation."

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Dimitriu agreed that more large-scale studies and review papers are needed to get a "clearer picture."

"What this cannabis study shows is that there may be conflicting information, which warrants more investigation."

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