The Kawasaki disease infected over 100 children in the span of two months. Children in the states of California, New York, Mississippi and Louisiana were found to have inflammatory symptoms, very similar to those of Kawasaki disease. This specific disease is extremely rare, yet common in infants and young children usually under the ages of 5. It causes red skin rashes accompanied by fever. Since it is such a rare disease targeting children, it has caught the attention of many parents.
This disease has begun to target many young children and has even led to three deaths. The Kawasaki disease affects one’s “lymph nodes, their skin, mucous membranes” within the mouth. Although it can be treated with care of the doctors, a child’s immune system is vulnerable. With there only being under 20,000 cases of this disease in the United States, it is very harmful to a small child.
Scientists don’t believe that the Kawasaki disease is contagious and is still not known exactly how it is transmitted. This is what makes it so dangerous.
Marlene Luna, the mother of a 4-year old boy, Carlos, has been taking all necessary precautions in order to protect her son from any and all danger when having to go out. Although he is still a small child, Carlos has been taught to keep his hands away from his mouth, eyes, and face as well as keep his mask on. Hearing about the Kawasaki disease has only worried her further.
“I’m afraid…as of right now, I can only count on myself and [my husband] to keep Carlos safe. There’s no other way to keep him safe besides teaching him how to protect himself from other bacteria,” said Ms. Luna.
So far, Carlos has taken a good understanding of how to keep himself safe during these times. Being only 4-years old, he doesn’t fully understand what is going on outside and how it would affect him, but he is following what both his parents tell him.
“The Kawasaki disease imposes a huge threat to our children. They’re so small and vulnerable to any disease out there and having school return just worries me so much about my son’s health,” said Ms. Luna.
It is no question how much worry the Kawasaki disease and the current COVID-19 has brought upon parents, kids, and the elderly.
“Knowing that I’ll have to send Nicole to school in the fall makes me nervous… not only would I not be able to supervise her throughout the day, but she’ll have to take care of herself, ” explains Glenda Juela, mom of a 5-year old girl, Nicole Juela.
“Based on what I have seen on the news, we don’t actually know much about the Kawasaki disease. If we don’t really know solid facts on how it’s spread, how will we protect our children?”
“Thus far, I’ve made sure to have her wash her hands anytime necessary and possible; otherwise, she uses hand sanitizer,” said Ms. Juela.
Mothers have to be creative and make hygiene fun in order to engage children. Glenda has made it fun for her children to keep their hands clean. Nicole has made a small song to help her wash her hands for at least 20 seconds.
This disease can definitely affect small children if they aren’t taking the necessary precautions. Regardless, we must all make sure to be cautious and more importantly, protect the children.
https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(17)30602-3/pdf
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