At 22, Kabaddi Player Brijesh Solanki Dies Due to Rabies After Rescuing Stray Puppy - Report

Brijesh Solanki, a 22-year-old Kabaddi player at the state level from Uttar Pradesh, lost his life to rabies after having been bitten by a stray puppy he had saved. Despite being a gold medallist and a hopeful for the Pro Kabaddi League, Brijesh did not receive the anti-rabies vaccine after the bite. Symptoms of rabies were noticed only a few days prior to his death, which underlines the fatal danger of untreated animal bites.

Community Response and Awareness After Brijesh’s Death

🚨Trigger: human suffering.

In March, Brijesh Solanki, a state level Kabbadi player, was rescuing a puppy from a drain when it bit him. He took it lightly and didn't report. Months later, he developed rabies and died.

Mexico faced a major rabies crisis in the 70s-80s, with… pic.twitter.com/9fYmU2w09b

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After Brijesh Solanki’s passing, health officials quickly visited his village to prevent further tragedy. They vaccinated 29 residents and launched a campaign to educate people about rabies prevention and the importance of immediate medical care after animal bites. Videos of Brijesh’s suffering circulated online, deeply impacting the community and highlighting the dangers of ignoring even minor animal bites. His family, still in shock, shared that they had never heard of a rabies case before and are now demanding support, as Brijesh was the family’s sole breadwinner. The incident has sparked important conversations about public health awareness and the need for timely action to save lives.

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What Is Rabies? 

Rabies is a severe viral disease that impacts the brain and nervous system. Dr Atul Gogia, Senior Consultant - Medicine and Infectious Disease Specialist, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi, says, "If left untreated, rabies infection can almost always be life-threatening or fatal." The virus is generally transmitted by bite or scratch of an infected animal, primarily dogs.

Symptoms of Rabies: Early and Late Stages

Dr Gogia explains that the signs and symptoms of rabies may be classified as early and late stages:

Early Symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue
• Pain or numbness at the site of the bite, with tingling or prickling feelings
• Anxiety and agitation

Late Symptoms (Neurological):

• Confusion and delirium
• Disorientation and hallucinations
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)
• Aerophobia (fear of air currents)
• Excessive salivation
• Seizures and paralysis
• Hyperactivity and aggression
• Coma and death

Complications are:

• Brain damage
• Respiratory failure
• Cardiac arrest

Immediate Steps Following a Bite or Scratch

If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal, these steps are suggested by experts:

• Wash the wound: Wash the area well with soap and water for at least 15 minutes to wash off saliva and reduce the risk of infection.
• Control bleeding: Apply pressure using a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
• Get medical care: Visit a healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. They will determine whether you require rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can ensure the virus does not cause infection.

A study published in the Journal of Global Infectious Diseases emphasizes that once symptoms of rabies occur, it is nearly always fatal, yet it can be prevented through early vaccination after exposure. The research puts significant emphasis on washing wounds immediately and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent lives from being lost.

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Conclusion

Brijesh Solanki’s tragic death is a harsh reminder of how dangerous rabies can be if left untreated. Even a small bite or scratch from a stray animal should be taken seriously. Quick action, washing the wound and getting medical help, can save lives. Always seek the rabies vaccine after any animal bite, no matter how minor it may seem.