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Kawasaki disease
What is Kawasaki disease?
Kawasaki disease is syndrome, a group of symptoms that often occur together and therefore are thought to have a single cause. The actual cause of Kawasaki disease is not yet known.
What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease?
The symptoms of Kawasaki include a high spiking fever usually lasting for at least 10 days. There is also a rash, usually one or most swollen lymph nodes, a reddened tongue which is described as a "strawberry tongue", reddened dry swollen and cracked lips, conjunctivitis (reddening of the lining of the eyes), reddening of the palms and soles, and peeling of the skin, especially around the nails.
Who gets Kawasaki disease?
Kawasaki disease occurs primarily in children less than 5 years of age. It is more common in boys than in girls, and more common in children of Asian ancestry.
How is Kawasaki disease spread?
It is not known how this disease is spread. There is no evidence of person-to-person spread.
How is Kawasaki disease diagnosed?
There is no specific test for Kawasaki disease. The diagnosis is based solely on clinical symptoms.
Can Kawasaki disease be treated?
High doses of immune globulin, followed by lower doses for 2 months have been shown to reduce the acute symptoms and reduce the occurrence of later complications, specifically aneurysms of the coronary arteries.
How long is an infected person infectious to others?
There is no evidence of person-to-person spread of Kawasaki disease.
Is there a vaccine to prevent Kawasaki disease?
No.
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