Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2026

The Helsinki Rat Microsurgical Sidewall Aneurysm Model
13:53

The Helsinki Rat Microsurgical Sidewall Aneurysm Model

Published on: October 12, 2014

Outbreak of Kawasaki syndrome in Finland

E Salo, P Pelkonen, O Pettay

    Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
    |January 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Kawasaki syndrome, a rare illness, was diagnosed in 83 Finnish children, indicating potential geographic spread. The outbreak highlighted cardiac and neurological complications, with one fatality from a coronary aneurysm.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Epidemiology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Kawasaki syndrome is a rare pediatric illness primarily affecting children under five.
    • Historically, outbreaks have been reported in East Asian countries and the USA.
    • This study documents the first reported outbreak in Finland.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report the first outbreak of Kawasaki syndrome in Finland.
    • To describe the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of the diagnosed cases.
    • To investigate the attack rate and potential geographic spread of the illness.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 83 diagnosed Kawasaki syndrome cases over a ten-month period (June 1981-March 1982).
    • Calculation of attack rates per 100,000 children under five.
    • Clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) data review for complications.

    Main Results:

    • An attack rate of 26/100,000 children under five was observed.
    • The outbreak's progression suggested geographic spreading.
    • Carditis was evident in 20% of patients, with ECG abnormalities in 59%.
    • Neurologic manifestations occurred in 10% of patients.
    • One patient died due to a ruptured coronary aneurysm.

    Conclusions:

    • This Finnish outbreak represents the first documented occurrence outside of Japan, Korea, and the USA.
    • Kawasaki syndrome can affect populations in new geographic regions.
    • The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and managing potential cardiac and neurological sequelae.

    More Related Videos

    Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome05:12

    Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome

    Published on: September 19, 2019

    Evaluating the Effect of Coated Filters and Pre-Filters on the Infectivity and Concentration of Aerosolized Phi6 Virus09:32

    Evaluating the Effect of Coated Filters and Pre-Filters on the Infectivity and Concentration of Aerosolized Phi6 Virus

    Published on: May 29, 2026

    Related Concept Videos

    Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

    Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

    Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
    Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

    Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

    Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
    Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

    Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

    The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
    Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

    Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

    Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
    Influenza01:27

    Influenza

    Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...