Cardiff Castle will be lit up in red tonight as the city marks International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day, helping shine a light on a condition that is now the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the UK.
The move is part of a wider awareness campaign supported by Cardiff Council and Societi, the UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease, aimed at improving understanding of the illness and the importance of early diagnosis.
Kawasaki Disease is becoming increasingly common, with around 1,500 hospital admissions each year across the UK. It mainly affects young children and can lead to serious and lifelong heart complications if not treated quickly.
One of the key warning signs is a high fever that lasts for five days or more. This is usually combined with two or more other symptoms, including a rash, bloodshot eyes, a strawberry coloured tongue, cracked or dry lips, redness of the fingers or toes, swollen glands often on one side of the neck, and swelling in the hands or feet.
Health professionals are urging parents and carers to be alert. If a child has a persistent fever along with several of these symptoms, they are being encouraged to think Kawasaki Disease and seek medical advice as early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long term heart damage.
By lighting up Cardiff Castle, the council hopes to spark conversations and help families recognise the signs sooner, potentially saving lives and preventing serious complications.
More information about Kawasaki Disease and the support available can be found through Societi, the UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease.
