Article by: Dr Zoe Arugay
Photo: Reuters 

During a visit to South Africa, John Travolta has donated 70,000 rand (£6,300) to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, a foundation that aims to provide services for kids that include support for street children and children of refugees.

The film actor spent time with the children that the foundation has supported. He is in the country to support the Australian World Cup team.

Travolta's 16-year-old son, Jett, died last year due to complications brought about by Kawasaki's Disease.

What is Kawasaki's Disease?

Kawasaki's Disease, or KD, is a systemic disease affecting small to medium-sized vessels of the body, particularly those of the arteries of the heart, or coronary arteries. Part of the coronary artery wall can weaken and bulge in an aneurysm which can rupture. There are cases as well of a blood clot forming which can block the artery, leading to a heart attack.

KD also causes the following symptoms: high fever, rash, red eyes and lips, swollen glands, and swollen hands and feet with peeling skin. It occurs throughout the world with higher incidences in Japan and Asia than in the US. The symptoms are self-limiting, but the effects on the coronary arteries can last a lifetime. The etiology is unclear, but there is data to support that it can be triggered by an infectious agent in a kid genetically predisposed tp the illness.

In kids where treatment is recommended, giving it within the first 10 days of the disease is seen to be the most effective period. There are two principal treatments for KS. In the acute phase, intravenous gamma globulin (IVG) is given to shorten the acute phase and to prevent damage to the coronary arteries. Aspirin is given to decrease the inflammation, lower fever and prevent clotting of blood.