While strides have been made in KD research, we need more answers. Not only do we want to know the cause of KD, but we also need to know the long-term outcome of all kids who have contracted KD, whether they had visible heart damage or not. We will not rest.
Kawasaki Disease by the Numbers
5447
Annual KD Cases In the U.S.
19
Annual U.S. KD Cases per 100,000
25
KD Cases at risk of coronary aneurysms
74
KD Cases for Children under 5 years old
What is Kawasaki disease?
Kawasaki disease (KD), or Kawasaki syndrome, is a severe illness characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body that primarily affects young children and infants.
Kawasaki disease symptoms usually appear in three phases. Because there is no specific test for KD, doctors make a clinical diagnosis based on a set of symptoms and physical findings.
KD is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in U.S. children, but with effective treatment, only a small percentage of KD patients have lasting coronary artery damage.
We were deeply saddened to learn that Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki passed away on June 5, 2020. The entire Kawasaki Disease Foundation community expresses our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Dr. Kawasaki was a pioneer who inspired so many to collaborate across the globe for a common cause. For those that had the good fortune to meet him, it was impossible not to be touched by his intense compassion for children. He has been a force and presence for so long that we thought he would live forever. Certainly, his spirit will endure.
Please join us in honoring his memory and impact on children and families around the world.
