Researchers from Imperial College London and Oxford University, report in the BMJ that the incidence of Kawasaki disease has more than doubled, increasing from 4.0 per 100,000 to 8.1 per 100,000 between 1991 and 2000.

Despite being widespread, the cause of Kawasaki disease remains uncertain, but epidemiological studies support the theory of an infectious agent inducing the disease in a genetically susceptible minority.

Incidence rates also vary considerably across the developed world, with reported rates in Japan exceeding those in the United States tenfold, and in the UK and Australia thirtyfold.

Dr Aziz Sheikh, an NHS R&D National Primary Care Training Fellow from Imperial College London at Charing Cross campus said: Despite a heightened awareness of the disease during the past 10 years, this has not proven to be enough. More early diagnosis is needed so the disease can be treated more effectively.

Dr Anthony Harnden from the Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, added: This rise has potentially very serious consequences as a fifth of children with untreated Kawasaki syndrome will develop cardiac lesions during the acute phase of their illness, increasing their chances of developing heart problems later on in life.