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Jul 8, 2014 · Credit: CDC. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tickborne disease first recognized in 1896 in the Snake River Valley of Idaho. It was originally called “black measles” because of the look of its rash in the late stages of the illness, when the skin turns black. It was a dreaded, often fatal disease, affecting hundreds of people in Idaho.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. It may occur anytime the weather is warm, but it most often occurs from April until September. It was first recognized in the Rocky Mountain states. But it may occur throughout the U.S.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by ixodid ticks. Symptoms are high fever, severe headache, and rash. (See also Overview of Rickettsial and Related Infections .) Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a rickettsial disease. Epidemiology of RMSF. RMSF is limited to the Western Hemisphere.
