The disease is relatively common, and in the United States it is a major cause of heart disease in children. In recent years, it has tended to occur in localized outbreaks, most often in the late winter or spring, but is seen year-round. The heart may be affected in as many as one of five children who develop Kawasaki disease. Infants less than 1 year old are usually the most seriously ill and are at greatest risk for heart involvement. The acute phase of Kawasaki disease commonly lasts 10 to 14 days or more.
Most children recover fully.
The likelihood of developing coronary artery disease later in life is not known, and remains the subject of medical investigation. Cause The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. It does not appear to be hereditary or contagious. It's very rare for more than one child in a family to develop Kawasaki disease. Signs and Symptoms Fever and irritability are often the first indications of the disease.