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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 11, 2017 01:46 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Maria P. Donatucci |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution – Designating January 26, 2017, as "Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania |
| In the very near future, I intend to introduce a resolution designating January 26, 2017, 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 in the United States. My goal in introducing this resolution is increased health education and awareness of Kawasaki disease. Early treatment following the appearance of symptoms is important in reducing the likelihood of heart damage and further complications associated with the disease. The symptoms of Kawasaki disease are often confused by parents with other common childhood conditions like measles and scarlet fever. Therefore, please join me in designating January 26, 2017, as "Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and recognizing the importance of awareness in diagnosing and properly treating cases of Kawasaki disease. |
Introduced as HR41