By JESSE GRAHAM
A HEALESVILLE mum is warning parents to be extra vigilant, after her son was diagnosed with a rare condition with potentially long-lasting effects.
Jake Kinsmore, 5, was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, an inflammation of the blood vessels, last year after his mother, Stacey, noticed irregular symptoms and took him to the doctor.
Ms Kinsmore was assured that Jake had a passing virus, but after his condition worsened, she took him to another four appointments.
His symptoms included fever, a rash, swollen glands and bloodshot eyes and as time went on, the skin had begun to peel from Jake’s hands in chunks.
The symtoms for Kawasaki disease can be similar to those of scarlet fever, which Jake was incorrectly diagnosed with originally.
Around 10 days after the symptoms began, the Kinsmore’s family doctor returned from holidays and confirmed that Jake had Kawasaki Disease.
Ms Kinsmore said that, because the disease was not identified quickly, Jake was unable to receive an intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, which is most effective in improving the condition if administered within the first week.
Kawasaki disease, which is non-contageous, can result in aneurysms, if left untreated.
Although Jake has received some treatment and hasn’t had any signs of aneurysms, he has to wait until he’s seven years old to get a full heart test.
“Because his heart is so small, we won’t know,” Ms Kinsmore said.
“By the time he’s seven, he will have a full stress heart test, but in the meantime we have to hope there isn’t an aneurysm there.”
Ms Kinsmore urged parents to take notice of irregular symptoms and to consult a doctor if they felt concerned about their child’s welfare.
“The unfortunate thing it it’s relatively unknown,” she said.
“You mention Kawasaki to most people and they haven’t heard of it.
‘If parents were aware, they could push the point a little more to mention it to doctors.”
For a full list of symptoms and information on Kawasaki disease, visit www.kdfoundation.org.au.
