What is a common sign of Kawasaki disease during its acute phase?

Kawasaki disease is characterized by an intense inflammatory response that primarily affects children. One of the hallmark signs during the acute phase of the illness is a high fever that persists despite the administration of antipyretics or other fever-reducing medications. This fever is typically defined as being greater than 39°C (102.2°F) and lasting for more than five days. The presence of this unresponsive high fever is a critical indicator for clinicians, as it prompts further investigation and management of the condition, which, if not treated, can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, such as coronary artery dilation or aneurysm.

In contrast, other signs associated with Kawasaki disease, such as a low-grade fever, a painless rash, or muscle weakness, may not be common during the acute phase. A low-grade fever would not meet the criteria for Kawasaki disease recognition, while a rash is typically described as being polymorphous and may be accompanied by other symptoms. Muscle weakness is not explicitly a characteristic of Kawasaki disease and can result from other causes unrelated to the disease. Therefore, the correct identification of high fever unresponsive to medications is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention in managing Kawasaki disease.