Kawasaki Disease
Signs and Symptoms

The first signs of Kawasaki disease include fever and irritability. In most patients, the fever comes on rapidly and is higher than 101.3° F.

Other symptoms include:

• Rash, often in the torso and genital areas
• Eye inflammation or conjunctivitis without discharge
• Swelling and redness of the hands and feet followed by peeling of the skin on the fingers and toes
• Red, chapped lips
• "Strawberry tongue" where the tongue is red, swollen, and has raised bumps
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

The order in which symptoms appear can vary. In addition, some children also may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and joint irritation.

Kawasaki disease is best treated soon after symptoms appear in order to reduce the risk of heart-related complications. If your child has a high fever and you suspect that he or she may have Kawasaki disease, consult your child's doctor right away.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Last updated July 14, 2010