This link puzzles researchers. The disease is more prevalent even in Asian children with little or no exposure to the foods or customs of Asian culture. In Hawaii, the disease is far more common among Japanese-American children. These statistics appear to indicate a genetic factor that researchers are not yet able to explain. The disease was first described by Tomisaku Kawasaki, M.D., a Tokyo pediatrician, in 1967, but wasn't reported in English literature until 1974.
Fever develops within the first few days of onset of the disease.
Left untreated, the spiking can continue for as long as four weeks. A measles-like rash usually accompanies the fever, and lymph nodes in the neck swell. Conjunctivitis, characterized by red eyes and swollen eyelids, may also develop in the first few days. The lips, tongue and throat may become red and swollen. One of the most distinguishing symptoms of Kawasaki disease is the redness and swelling of palms and soles within a few days of onset.