Epidemiology of Kawasaki Disease After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan 2023-2024

In this nationwide cohort study of KD in Japan, KD incidence rebounded after the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, with age-dependent patterns. Nonpharmaceutical interventions (eg, mask-wearing) during the pandemic may explain the greater rebound pattern observed in older children; however, the minimal changes in infants suggest different exposure pathways to potential KD triggers. These findings support an age-stratified approach to KD pathogenesis research, distinguishing infants from older children.

Corresponding Author: Ryusuke Ae, MD, PhD, Division of Public Health, Center for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan (shirouae@jichi.ac.jp).

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