What is Kawasaki's disease, and how does it relate to COVID-19?

On Sunday, the Association of Paddy Care in the United Kingdom (PICS) warned of a slight increase in the number of cases of children with critical diseases, some who had tested positively for COVID-19, presenting “tips of toxic shock syndrome and apactic disease Kawasakiʹ with blood parameters”.

What is Kawasaki's disease?

Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is a rare childhood disease that causes blood vessels ' walls to become irritated in the body.

According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom (NHS), it mainly affects children under the age of five, although it may affect children of any age.

Symptoms include a high temperature that lasts five days or longer, along with a rash on the neck, dry, cracked lips, fingers, and red eyes.

If treated, symptoms usually become less serious, the NHS said, adding that the disease is not contagious.

“Unfortunately, diseases similar to Kawasaki are very rare, as they are currently serious complications to children about COVID-19, but it is important that clinics be aware so that they are able to give children and young people quick attention, “ - Professor Simon Kenny, NHS National Clinical Director for Children and Youth in a statement sent to CNN on Monday.

The treatment of Kawasaki can burden children's health by endangering even a heart attack.

What causes Kawasaki?

Experts agree that the causes of Kawasaki's disease have not been fully understood, but they believe that children who develop it may be genetically predisposed for it because they inherited genes assigned by parents.

The disease itself is not contagious, according to the NHS, which means it is unlikely to be caused by just one virus.

What's the connection to COVID-19?

The connection between Kawasaki and COVID-19 is unclear, but health - care professionals have assured parents that the risk of children becoming seriously ill with the virus remains low. /CNN