International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day
January 26 · Level 2 · #1871 of 2238
Kawasaki disease is an inflammation of the blood vessel walls that mostly affects children under five. This day reminds parents and doctors that spotting it early makes treatment far more effective.
How it is celebrated: doctors, hospitals and patient groups share the warning signs with parents online and at community events: a long high fever, a rash, red eyes and red, cracked lips. Families who have been through it often tell their stories to help others recognise it sooner.
The illness carries the name of Japanese paediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described it in 1967.