Definition

Kawasaki disease is a systemic inflammatory disease that causes vasculitis of medium and small vessels. 

It predominately affects children under 5 years of age, however approximately 20% of cases are reported in older children¹. Peak incidence is in late infancy (9–11 months), with a gradual decrease in incidence with advancing age.  Despite being described by Dr Kawasaki over 50 years ago², this condition is still poorly understood and difficult to recognise.

Learning Bite

If you look to exclude Kawasaki disease, you are less likely to miss it.