What is Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare form of vasculitis. Children, usually under the age of 5, have a high fever and red eyes, lips, mouth, a rash and swollen lymph nodes. The disease also affects the heart and the wall of blood vessels. Kawasaki is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Immediate treatment is necessary to avoid permanent damage to the heart and to the coronary arteries and a full recovery may be expected.