Introduction: Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious condition, primarily affects children and is marked by inflammation of blood vessels, including the coronary arteries. The disease presents with a range of symptoms, including prolonged fever, rash, conjunctival injection, oral changes, extremity changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Objective: To describe the clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment and evolution of a 12-year-old patient with Kawasaki disease. Clinical case: In this case, a 12-year-old male from Usakos, Namibia, presented with symptoms initially suggestive of a common viral illness, including fever, headache, sore throat, and rash. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to multiple hospital transfers and intensive care admission. Upon evaluation, the patient exhibited signs consistent with Kawasaki disease, such as persistent fever, periorbital and limb edema, cervical adenopathy, and an erythematous rash. Diagnostic tests, including an echocardiogram, confirmed cardiovascular alterations indicative of Kawasaki disease. Treatment was initiated with high-dose aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin, alongside antibiotics for a suspected nosocomial infection. The patient showed significant improvement, with resolution of fever, reduction in inflammatory markers, and stabilization of vital signs. He was eventually weaned off ventilatory and inotropic support, and his feeding was reintroduced. Results: The successful management of this case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of Kawasaki disease to prevent long-term complications, particularly coronary artery aneurysms. The patient was discharged after 13 days with a plan for continued low-dose aspirin therapy to mitigate cardiovascular risks. Conclusion: This case underscores the need for heightened clinical suspicion of Kawasaki disease in children presenting with prolonged fever and multisystem involvement, especially in regions where the disease is less commonly reported.
Keywords: Kawasaki disease, rash, fever, vasculitis, lymph nodes