Kawasaki Disease is predominantly a childhood illness though it can affect people of any age. Its cause is unknown. Kawasaki Disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Awareness of Kawasaki Disease is currently low and it is often mistaken for other common childhood illnesses, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Children who go untreated or who are treated later face higher risks of developing complications including life-long heart damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to better outcomes.
Today – International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day – sees the start of a campaign for every doctor and every parent in the UK to know the symptoms of Kawasaki Disease, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Societi, The UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease is stepping up efforts to grow awareness and encourage urgent action when treating this increasingly common, serious disease.
