Kawasaki Disease

Causes & Prevention

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Kawasaki Disease may start from an infection or from exposure to some toxin

According to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, "No one knows what causes Kawasaki disease, but it is thought to start from an infection or from exposure to some toxin. There is no firm evidence that the disease can spread from one person to another."