Kawasaki disease

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. an acute illness of unknown cause, occurring primarily in children, characterized by high fever, swollen lymph glands, rash, redness in mouth and throat, and joint pain.

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Etymology

Origin of Kawasaki disease

1980–85; after Japanese pediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described it

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease - named after the Japanese paediatrician who discovered it, Tomisaku Kawasaki - causes blood vessels to become inflamed and affects about eight in every 100,000 children.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2026

Kawasaki disease, also known as K.D., is one of the leading pediatric mysteries.

From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2024

The syndrome appears to have some similarities with Kawasaki disease and can cause problems with a child’s heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 26, 2021

Although scientists have never identified the cause of Kawasaki disease, many suspect it develops after an infection.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 22, 2021

They’ve learned that—contrary to some early suspicions—it appears distinct from Kawasaki disease, a rare inflammatory reaction thought to strike young children after unknown infections.

From Science Magazine ● Mar. 18, 2021