$Unique_ID{BRK00984}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Where Does One Get "Kawasaki Disease"?}
$Subject{Kawasaki rash fever}
$Volume{N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where Does One Get "Kawasaki Disease"?


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QUESTION:  A 4 month old baby boy in our family contracted "Kawasaki Disease"
about 3 months ago.  We never heard of it.  Where does one get this disease,
is there an incubation period so we can try and pinpoint when and how he
contracted it?  Any information you can shed would be appreciated.

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ANSWER:  Known as well by the name "mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome",
Kawasaki Syndrome usually occurs in infants and children under the age of
five, and progresses through stages.  It usually starts with a high fever,
associated with irritability, lethargy and occasionally colicky abdominal
pains that come and go.  A day or so after the fever, a rash appears over the
trunk, followed within several days by a sore throat, reddened dry, cracked
lips, "red eyes", and a red strawberry like tongue.  The arteries are also
affected causing difficulties in circulation with swelling to the palms and
soles.  The glands in the neck are swollen throughout the entire course of the
disease which may last from 2 to 12 weeks.  The most feared manifestation of
the disease is related to inflammation occurring in the arteries of the heart
which may occur about the 10th day of the illness.  This may lead to heart
failure, irregular beating and development of coronary artery aneurysm.
Although the disease was first described in Japan in the 1960's, its cause is
still unknown, as cultures for bacteria or viral infection are usually
negative.  Some specialists feel that there is an immunologic basis for the
disease.  There is no specific treatment, but aspirin is used during the
period of high temperature to reduce the risk of coronary artery involvement.
Aneurysms generally disappear within a year and the general prognosis is very
good.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
