Daily AncestorBlack measles
Black measles was an old name for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-borne disease named for its rash and common in Montana's Bitterroot Valley around 1900.
The disease was recognized in the early 1800s and became common in the 1890s, especially in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. In 1901 a Montana doctor was appointed to solve what was then called the black measles problem, and ticks were later shown to spread it.
Despite the name it is not measles. It is caused by a bacterium spread mainly by dog ticks and wood ticks, and the rash often starts at the wrists and ankles.
As seen in a recordCause of death line, state death certificate, 1910s to 1930s
Lars Holm, 34, M, Rancher, Black measles, 9 days
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Black measles." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/causes-of-death/black-measles. Last checked 2026-10-10.