What are the Risk Factors?
Kawasaki disease mostly occurs in children, especially those from Asia. Studies show that children younger than 5 account for about 75% of the disease. While researchers don’t believe that the condition is inheritable, various studies reveal that the risk factors tend to increase within families. Siblings of someone with the condition are 10 times more likely to develop the disease. The following factors may increase the risk of having Kawasaki disease:
- Age: It is more common in children between the ages of 1 year and 5 years
- Gender: Boys are more susceptible to the condition than girls to develop it
- Ethnic background: People of Asian ancestry, specifically Japanese or Chinese, and Black Americans are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease.
- Environment: According to research, the risk of developing Kawasaki disease in the northern region from January through March is 40% higher than in August through October.
- Genetics: People with a sibling or parent that have had Kawasaki disease are more likely to have the condition.
What are the Causes of Kawasaki Disease?
Experts are yet to identify the exact cause of Kawasaki disease. However, studies show that a mixture of genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in causing the condition. This is usually because KD is more common during certain seasons and it is more common in children of Asian origin.