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Dermatophilus congolensis outbreak in Europe

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What changed

2026-09-11 06:42 UTC → 2026-09-11 08:58 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis, traditionally a veterinary concern, has shown evidence of human-to-human transmission across Europe. Initial reports identified cases in Sweden, France, Spain, Germany, and Norway, with infections manifesting as scaling skin spots on the face, groin, or genitals. In Norway, cases were noted among martial arts practitioners, while other cases were identified among men who have sex with men. By late August 2026, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted a possible shift toward human-to-human transmission through close physical contact or potentially via contaminated surfaces. Colloquially known as ‘rain disease’ or ‘rain rot’, the infection is increasingly being observed in humans despite typically spreading from animals. As of late August 2026, 126 cases have been recorded across 10 European countries, including Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Recent reports indicate cases have been observed among men who have sex with men, often linked to social venues such as saunas. A case in Scotland was specifically highlighted by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) as a recorded instance of sexual transmission within this broader outbreak. In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported that a Berlin laboratory had identified several cases since late 2025, with 17 cases identified in the country as of June 2026, specifically affecting men in the Berlin and Brandenburg regions. Prof. Dr. med. Norbert Brockmeyer, President of the German Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health (DSTIG), clarified that while cases were identified among men visiting sex-positive saunas, the disease is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. Transmission may occur through close physical contact, such as sexual activity or contact sports, and moist environments. Symptoms include itchy, crusty, or scaly skin lesions, small pustules, and nodules. While the condition often heals independently, antibiotics have proven effective in treatment.

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