Kawasaki disease

What is Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is a type of vasculitis. It affects small and medium-sized arteries, most commonly in children under five. It's sometimes called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (because it involves the mucous membrane).

What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease?

Children with Kawasaki disease will feel unwell. They may have:

  • a high temperature,
  • swollen glands in the neck (lymphadenopathy),
  • an inflamed area around the eye and the mouth, and
  • a skin rash similar to measles.

This condition is quite rare but can be serious if the arteries supplying the heart are inflamed (coronary arteritis). Up to 60% of people with Kawasaki disease have coronary arteritis.

Find out more about vasculitis.

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