Kawasaki syndrome is as serious rash illness of children. It is a relatively rare disease.
Disease Facts
Most cases occur in infants and children under age five.
Little is known about the way a person gets this syndrome or how it spreads. It does not appear to be transmitted from person to person. Since outbreaks occur, it may be caused by an infectious agent.
Most cases have a high spiking fever that does not respond to antibiotics. It lasts more than five days and is associated with irritability, swollen lymph nodes, red eyes, lips, throat and tongue. The rash may cover the entire body and is sometimes followed by a peeling of the skin on the hands and fingers.
Recurrences have been reported but they are extremely rare.
Most patients are treated in the hospital where they can be closely watched. Aspirin and immunoglobulins are often prescribed.
The most frequent complication is coronary artery aneurysms (ballooning out of vessels in the heart). Other organs may be involved as well. Approximately 1-2 percent of cases die of the disease and its complications.
At the present time, preventive measures are unknown.