Doctors issue warning over life-threatening disease as cases spike in children

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The main reason we treat Kawasaki disease is to try to prevent these possible cardiac outcomes.” Bella Hessey, now 3, developed large bulges in blood vessels in her head and around her heart after contracting Kawasaki disease Successful treatment for the disease is through high doses of immunoglobulin, created through blood plasma, and administered through an IV drip. Gerry Gogarty, director of Plasma for Medicines at NHS Blood and Transplant told Sky News: “There is a rising need for plasma donors to help treat life-threatening immune disorders such as Kawasaki disease. “You can help by donating plasma or blood - you have a medicine in you.” The WHO issued a briefing in 2020 on a rare syndrome with similarities to Kawasaki disease, developed as a result of a Covid-19 infection Kawasaki disease was the focus of research originating in the Covid-19 pandemic, as a high number of critically ill children exhibited similar symptoms while being treated for a Covid-19 infection. Health minister Neil O’Brien said: “More plasma donors are needed to treat Kawasaki disease and we are working closely with NHS Blood and Transplant to boost supplies so we can provide the best possible care to patients.