Kawasaki Disease

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of Kawasaki disease are similar to many other infections or allergic reactions.

The first symptom usually is a sudden, high fever that may be 40°C (104°F) or higher. Unlike fever caused by common viruses, the fever from Kawasaki disease can last more than 10 days if the disease is not treated.

Other symptoms often occur within a few days after the fever. These symptoms include:

• Red, bloodshot eyes, usually without pus or discharge.
• A red body rash that varies in size, shape, and consistency. The rash rarely blisters and is usually most obvious in the torso or groin area.
• Red, swollen, cracked lips and a red ("strawberry") tongue and lining of the mouth.
• Firm, swollen hands and feet with shiny red palms and soles. The skin begins to shed and peel between 1 and 3 weeks after the fever starts. Peeling starts beneath the fingernails and toenails and slowly spreads to the palms and soles.
• Swelling of lymph nodes on one side of the neck. Swelling very rarely occurs on both sides of the neck.

Other symptoms may include:

• Irritability and tiredness.
• Joint swelling and pain. The pain sometimes is very severe; a child may refuse to move or put weight on his or her hands and feet.
• Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• A rapid heart rate or changes in heart rhythm from heart inflammation.

Other conditions have symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, including measles, Epstein-Barr infections, scarlet fever, drug reactions, toxic shock syndrome, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is important for a child with symptoms to see a health professional for diagnosis and proper treatment.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: April 6, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Stanford T. Shulman, MD - Pediatrics
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