Doctor who first described Kawasaki disease dies at 95

Japanese pediatrician, Tomisaku Kawasaki, has died at age 95, the Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) announced early Friday morning.

The doctor is known to have described the illness that afflicts children, Kawasaki disease, in medical literature in 1967.

"We were deeply saddened to learn that Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki has passed away on June 5, 2020. The entire Kawasaki Disease Foundation community expresses our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," said the Foundation's statement posted on their website and social media account.

"Dr. Kawasaki was a pioneer who inspired so many to collaborate across the globe for a common cause. For those who had the good fortune to meet him, it was impossible not to be touched by his intense compassion for children."

The Kawasaki Disease Foundation, which was established by parents of children afflicted with the disease and medical experts, that raise awareness about the disease and facilitate support among families and increase funding for research.

Based on the Foundation's website, Kawasaki disease, which is also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is a severe illness characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body that primarily affects young children and infants. Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. -- BAP, GMA News