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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

No one knows what causes Kawasaki disease, but scientists don't believe the disease is contagious. A number of theories link the disease to bacteria, viruses or other environmental factors, but none has been proved. Certain genes may increase your child's susceptibility to Kawasaki disease.

References
  1. Kawasaki disease. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4634. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  2. Sundel R. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  3. What is Kawasaki disease? Kawasaki Disease Foundation. http://www.kdfoundation.org/dl/kdfbrochure.pdf. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  4. Sundel R. Epidemiology and etiology of Kawasaki disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  5. Takahashi M. Cardiovascular sequelae of Kawasaki disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  6. Sundel R. Initial treatment and prognosis of Kawasaki disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  7. KDF bridges. Kawasaki Disease Foundation. http://www.kdfoundation.org/bridges.aspx. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  8. Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 24, 2008.

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Feb. 3, 2009

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