JABAR EKSPRES – Dr. Aditya Agita Sembiring, Sp.JP, a heart and blood vessel specialist at Harapan Kita National Heart Center, advises parents to ensure their children get complete immunization according to the recommended schedule as a preventive measure and help reduce the risk of Kawasaki disease.
“Ensure children get complete immunization according to the schedule recommended by health authorities. Routine immunizations, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, can help protect against infections that can trigger Kawasaki disease,” said Aditya, in Jakarta, Tuesday (5/30).
Complete immunization can also reduce more serious complications of Kawasaki disease, which mostly affects children. In addition to immunization, avoiding exposure to infection such as hand washing practices, maintaining environmental hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals can also be recommended infection prevention measures.
Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is an inflammatory disease that affects the small blood vessels of the body, especially in children under the age of five. It was first identified by a Japanese doctor named Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967 and has since been named after him.
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Symptoms experienced by children infected with Kawasaki disease can vary, however, common symptoms include a fever that lasts more than five days and does not respond to fever-reducing medication, a rash on the skin like measles or rubella, swollen lymph nodes, red and chapped lips, a red and swollen tongue or often called “strawberry tongue”, swollen joints in the hands and feet area and red eyes.
Kawasaki disease can also cause symptoms such as joint pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue and decreased appetite.
“If you notice any suspicious symptoms in your child, consult a doctor immediately for proper evaluation and treatment. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications,” said Aditya.