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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 7, 2015 10:40 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Maria P. Donatucci |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day in Pennsylvania |
| In the very near future, I intend to introduce a resolution designating January 26, 2015, as “Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. Kawasaki Disease, also called Kawasaki Syndrome, is a serious childhood illness that primarily affects the blood vessels of young children and infants. Discovered on January 26, 1961, by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, it is the number one cause of acquired heart disease in children worldwide and is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels and coronary arteries. It is estimated that more than 4,200 children in the United States are diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease each year. Kawasaki Disease is most common in children 1 to 2 years of age and is less common in children older than 8 years of age. If left untreated, Kawasaki Disease can lead to heart disease, aneurysms and other serious consequences. Lack of knowledge of the disease combined with symptoms that can disappear have hampered diagnosis and treatment efforts for those affected. 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 health care professionals. Please join me in recognizing January 26, 2015, as “Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania to raise awareness and offer support to young children and families who may have been affected by the disease. |
Introduced as HR29