Kawasaki disease: What is Kawasaki disease? How do children get it?

During Monday’s 10 Downing Street press briefing, scientists gave advice to parents about the illness.

Professor Powis said: “We have become aware of reports in the last few days of severe illness in children, which might be a Kawasaki-like disease.

“Both Chris [Whitty] and I are aware of that. We have asked our experts – I’ve asked the National Clinical Director for children and young people to look into this as a matter of urgency, and I know the secretary of state is concerned, as he’s said.

“What I should say, as we’ve already said this afternoon, is that our advice to parents is ‘this disease is very, very rare’.

“If you are worried about a child that is becoming sick, not recovering, then do remember to contact 111, talk to your GP, or in an emergency, contact 999, because the emergency services and the NHS are there for sick children.”

Professor Powis emphasised how rare the disease is, but said: “You should still come forward and seek treatment and diagnosis as quickly as possible.”

Source: Daily Express