K is for Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease (KD), also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is an acute febrile illness of unknown etiology that primarily affects children younger than 5 years of age. The disease was first described in Japan by Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967, and the first cases outside of Japan were reported in Hawaii in 1976.Clinical signs include fever, rash, swelling of the hands and feet, irritation and redness of the whites of the eyes, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and irritation and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat. KD is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in the United States. Serious complications include coronary artery dilatations and aneurysms. The standard treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin, substantially decreases the development of these coronary artery abnormalities KD occurs worldwide, with the highest incidence in Japan, and it most often affects boys and younger children. KD may have a winter-spring seasonality, and community-wide outbreaks have been reported occasionally.
The A-B-C-Disease Series is located along the White Trail of The City of Middletown’s Reservoir Trails. This section is situated between two parking areas so if you plan carefully, with two cars you only have to hike one way (approximately 1.2 miles). The terrain difficulty of the trail ranges from a 2.0 to about a 4.0. and offers some scenic areas to visit. All of the containers for the series are Pill Bottles to go with the theme.
The City of Middletown, working with The Trust for Public Land, has opened up its 1,250-acre watershed for public access and has developed plans to turn it into a vibrant community public space.
About The Reservoir Trails ...
Just minutes from downtown Middletown, you can experience a nearby wilderness as you walk, run, or bike on over eight and a half miles of woods roads and trails. Visitors take-in stunning views of Monhagen Reservoir, Highland Reservoir, and Shawangunk Reservoir, which have provided clean drinking water to local residents since the 1860s. This forested watershed includes century-old stands of white pines that create a shady and peaceful retreat. During your visit you may see deer, foxes, and maybe even a black bear!