Family of Kawasaki disease victim fights to raise awareness of mystery illness

The family of an eight-month-old boy has set up a petition calling for more information about the disease that tragically killed their son. Alexander Parsons died in 2020 following a battle with Kawasaki disease and his parents have been fighting for two years to raise awareness of the condition and its potential links to Covid-19.

Kawasaki disease is being linked to cases of PIMS-TS - Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome - which is similar to Kawasaki, but occurs following a coronavirus infection. Alex suffered a fever and runny nose before he was hospitalised, reports PlymouthLive.

The petition, currently containing around 1,400 signatures, is asking for better public health messaging for PIMS-TS including making information more easily accessible, and ensuring all medical professionals are aware of symptoms and treatment.