International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day

We're marking International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day by backing Societi Foundation’s campaign to raise awareness on the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.

What is Kawasaki Disease?

Kawasaki Disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in the UK but it is little known. Many parents and doctors are unaware of the disease and how serious it can be. Societi's aim, with the help of the BHF, is to make sure children are diagnosed as early as possible to prevent life-long heart damage. Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease include swollen fingers and toes, cracked lips, persistent fever and swollen glands.

Children’s hearts at risk

In the UK today, children’s risk of heart damage from Kawasaki Disease is among the highest in the world. Experts have linked these high levels of heart damage to lack of awareness amongst clinicians and the general public. Studies show children treated after 7 days from disease onset are at significantly increasing risk of serious heart damage. If diagnosed and treated early the risk of heart damage is reduced.

To highlight the consequences of a delay in diagnosis, on Awareness Day, the Page Family have shared their inspirational journey with Kawasaki Disease.

Societi have created a mnemonic - 'TEMPERS' -  to help make the signs of Kawasaki disease more memorable.

• Temperature - persistent high fever
• Erythema - reddened hands and feet with swelling
• Mouth - dry, sore mouth, cracked lips
• Pace - treat early to reduce potential heart damage
• Eyes - bloodshot, non-sticky, conjunctivitis
• Rash
• Swollen glands in the neck, often just on one side

Our Chief Executive, Simon Gillespie, said:

“International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day is incredibly important for heightening awareness about this dangerous condition. Kawasaki Disease remains the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in the western world and can leave a legacy of permanent damage, which can be prevented through higher levels of awareness, early diagnosis and timely treatment.

“Low levels of awareness about the disease across the UK mean more and more children each year are affected and have long term heart problems. We know that with increased awareness and early diagnosis, we can reduce the chances of lifelong heart damage in young children.”