[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 26, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 27--DESIGNATING JANUARY 26, 2011, AS ``NATIONAL 
                    KAWASAKI DISEASE AWARENESS DAY''

  Mr. WEBB submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 27

       Whereas Kawasaki disease is a serious illness characterized 
     by the inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body;
       Whereas symptoms of Kawasaki disease include fever, rash, 
     swelling, irritation, redness of the whites of the eyes, and 
     inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat;
       Whereas Kawasaki disease primarily affects young children 
     and is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in the 
     United States;
       Whereas the Centers for Disease Control estimates that in 
     2006 approximately 5,500 individuals with Kawasaki disease 
     were hospitalized in the United States;
       Whereas Kawasaki disease affects children of all races, but 
     occurs most often in children of Asian and Pacific Island 
     descent;
       Whereas the cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown;
       Whereas Kawasaki disease can usually be treated if 
     diagnosed promptly, but can cause major health problems or 
     even death if left untreated;
       Whereas there is no test to definitively diagnose cases of 
     Kawasaki disease;
       Whereas a lack of awareness among health professionals and 
     the public may contribute to the underdiagnosis of Kawasaki 
     disease; and
       Whereas on January 26, 1961, Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki saw his 
     first patient who suffered from what would later be termed 
     Kawasaki disease: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates January 26, 2011, as ``National Kawasaki 
     Disease Awareness Day'';
       (2) recognizes the importance of awareness in diagnosing 
     and properly treating cases of Kawasaki disease;
       (3) urges all people of the United States to educate 
     themselves about Kawasaki disease and the signs and symptoms 
     of Kawasaki disease; and
       (4) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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