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Chikungunya mimicking atypical Kawasaki disease in an infant

Yung Seng Lee1, Swee Chye Quek, Evelyn Siew Chuan Koay

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Acute chikungunya infection in infants can mimic Kawasaki disease. Prompt diagnosis in endemic areas like Singapore can prevent unnecessary treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen causing febrile illness.
  • Kawasaki disease (KD) is a critical pediatric illness characterized by fever and rash.
  • Differentiating CHIKV from KD is crucial for appropriate management.

Observation:

  • A 4-month-old infant presented with seizure, fever, and a maculopapular rash.
  • Clinical presentation mimicked symptoms typically associated with Kawasaki disease.
  • The infant was evaluated in Singapore, an area endemic for chikungunya.

Findings:

  • The infant's presentation was consistent with acute chikungunya infection.
  • Chikungunya infection can present with symptoms overlapping those of Kawasaki disease in infants.
  • Early recognition of chikungunya is possible in endemic regions.

Implications:

  • Accurate diagnosis of chikungunya in infants can avert misdiagnosis as Kawasaki disease.
  • Prompt diagnosis prevents unnecessary and costly treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
  • Awareness of chikungunya's mimicry of Kawasaki disease is vital for clinicians in endemic zones.

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