Three Causes of Kawasaki Disease and Whether It Is Contagious
Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the arteries, veins, and capillaries. If left untreated, Kawasaki disease can lead to heart problems in children. The disease is not contagious, and patients are usually treated with IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin).
Understanding Kawasaki Disease and Its Symptoms
According to Healthline, Kawasaki disease (KD) is a health issue that causes inflammation in the arteries, veins, and capillaries. The disease also affects the lymph nodes and, as mentioned above, can lead to heart disease in children.
Symptoms of Kawasaki disease vary by stage. In the early stage, which may last up to two weeks, symptoms include:
High fever for five days or more
Rash on the body and groin
Red eyes
Bright red and swollen lips
Swollen hands and feet
Red palms and soles
A shiny red tongue with red spots
Swollen lymph nodes
The final stage of Kawasaki disease appears around two weeks after the fever. Symptoms include:
Stomach pain
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Enlarged gallbladder
Temporary hearing problems
According to the University of California San Diego’s official website, this disease is named after the Japanese paediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki. In 1967, Tomisaku described 50 infants with symptoms ranging from rash to fever. This was the first official report of Kawasaki disease.
Causes of Kawasaki Disease
To date, researchers do not fully understand what causes Kawasaki disease. Summaries from Medical News Today, the Ministry of Health, and the Mayo Clinic identify three possibilities:
- Autoimmune Disorder
Kawasaki disease may be an autoimmune condition, where the patient’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, mistakenly identifying them as pathogens.
- Genetic Factors
Another possible cause is genetic inheritance. As some readers may know, some diseases arise due to ancestry, such as haemophilia, type 1 diabetes, albinism, and hypertension.
‘Ana few pieces of evidence suggest that the disease may run in families. It is more common among people of Japanese or Korean descent,’ says information on the NHS website, quoted on Friday (27 February 2026).
- Bacterial or Viral Infection
There are views that Kawasaki disease is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. However, to this day no specific bacteria or virus has been conclusively proven to be responsible.
Is Kawasaki Disease Contagious? How It Is Managed
Citing the Boston Children’s Hospital website, Kawasaki disease is not contagious. A child who has it cannot spread it to other children.
Because the cause is unknown, there are no specific tips to prevent Kawasaki disease from occurring. If symptoms appear, individuals are advised to seek medical care at a nearby health facility promptly.
If diagnosed positive for Kawasaki disease, treatment with IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) is used because it is effective at preventing long-term heart damage. IVIG can also shorten fever duration and reduce the risk of abnormal coronary artery enlargement.
This is a brief discussion about Kawasaki disease, covering its definition, symptoms, causes, and management. I hope it is useful.
FAQ
Are there cases of Kawasaki disease in Indonesia?
Yes. Each year, around 4,000-5,000 cases occur, with 200 diagnosed officially.
What causes Kawasaki disease?
The exact cause is unknown to date. It is presumed to arise due to genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, or bacterial and viral infections.
Can Kawasaki disease cure itself?
Symptoms may subside on their own. However, without treatment, the risk of heart complications remains, so it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.