Kawasaki Disease

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Rare condition causing blood vessels to swell
Primarily affects children under 5 years old
Early treatment prevents serious heart problems
Not contagious

Overview

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition where blood vessels throughout the body become inflamed and swollen. While it most commonly affects children under the age of 5, adults can also develop it. The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown, but it is not contagious and cannot be caught from other people. Although usually not serious if treated promptly, Kawasaki disease can lead to heart problems if left untreated. These complications can include damage to the blood vessels of the heart. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure a full recovery and minimize the risk of long-term issues. Treatment typically involves a hospital stay for a few days to receive specific medications. After treatment, follow-up appointments are important to monitor recovery and heart health.

Signs and Symptoms

High temperature (fever) lasting 5 days or more
Swollen glands in the neck
Rash on the body
Red palms of hands and soles of feet
Red (bloodshot) eyes
Dry and cracked lips
Redness inside the mouth and on the tongue (strawberry tongue)
Extreme irritability

Things That Increase the Risk

Being under 6 months old (for severe illness)
Severe inflammation or persistent fever (for severe illness)
Family history of Kawasaki disease
Japanese or Korean ethnic background

Diagnosis

No single diagnostic test
Review of symptoms by a healthcare professional
Physical examination
Blood test
Urine test
Heart tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG)
Heart scans like an echocardiogram

Treatment & Management

Aspirin medication
Intravenous immunoglobulin (medicine given into a vein)
Hospital treatment for several days
Steroid medicine for high-risk patients
Regular follow-up appointments to check recovery
Ongoing heart monitoring if complications arise

Prevention

Early recognition of symptoms
Prompt medical evaluation for fever lasting 5 days or more
Adherence to prescribed treatment plan
Regular heart check-ups after recovery

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Kawasaki Disease: