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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 19, 2016 11:33 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Maria P. Donatucci |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution – Designating January 26, 2016, as "Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania |
In the very near future, I intend to introduce a resolution designating January 26, 2016, as "Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. Kawasaki Disease is a serious illness characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body that primarily affects young children and infants. Symptoms include fever, red bloodshot eyes, rash, inflammation of the mouth, lips and throat, and swollen hands, feet and lymph nodes. Sadly, there is no known cure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides that approximately 3,277 children under the age of five were hospitalized with Kawasaki Disease in 2000, and that number increased to 4,040 in 2009. Without proper treatment, approximately 25% of children who suffer from Kawasaki Disease develop heart disease. This disease is the number one cause of acquired heart disease in children worldwide. The growing prevalence of Kawasaki Disease and the risk of severe, life-threatening consequences expose the need for further education for the general public, parents and healthcare professionals. Therefore, please join me in designating January 26, 2016, as "Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and recognizing the importance of awareness in diagnosing and properly treating cases of Kawasaki Disease. |
Introduced as HR652