Rabies Claims Life of Kabaddi Player Brijesh Solanki, 22
Brijesh Solanki, a 22-year-old kabaddi player from Farana village, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, tragically passed away due to rabies in the last week of June 2025. His death, widely reported by outlets such as Times of India, Hindustan Times, Livemint, and NDTV, underscores the preventable nature of the disease and the tragic circumstances surrounding his case.
The Incident
Two to three months before his death, Brijesh was bitten by a stray puppy he had rescued from a drain. Believing the wound to be minor, he did not seek medical attention or receive an anti-rabies vaccine. His trainer, Praveen Kumar, noted that Brijesh "misunderstood the pain in his arm as a common kabaddi injury" and underestimated the severity of the bite.
Onset of Symptoms
On June 26, 2025, Brijesh began experiencing numbness during training. As his condition deteriorated, he exhibited classic rabies symptoms, including hydrophobia (fear of water). His brother, Sandeep Kumar, reported to ANI that Brijesh developed an unexplained fear of water, leading doctors to suspect rabies.
Denied Treatment Claims
Sandeep Kumar alleged that several government hospitals in Khurja, Aligarh, and Delhi turned them away before a private hospital in Noida diagnosed probable rabies. By then, it was too late, according to the family.
Tragic Death
Brijesh Solanki passed away on June 28, 2025, after being taken to a faith healer in Mathura. Viral videos of his deteriorating condition highlighted the severity of rabies.
Forensic Significance
1. Confirmation of Cause of Death and Contributing Factors
- Confirmation of Rabies: Symptoms like hydrophobia and agitation strongly suggested furious rabies, but confirmation requires a Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test on brain tissue, the gold standard for post-mortem diagnosis.
- Excluding Other Causes: Forensic examination ensures no other underlying causes contributed to his death, especially given allegations of denied treatment.
- Delays in Treatment: The family’s claims of being denied care may be supported by forensic reports detailing the disease’s progression, potentially prompting investigations into medical negligence or systemic issues.
2. Public Health and Epidemiological Significance
- Incubation Period: The two-month period between the bite and symptom onset aligns with rabies’ variable incubation period, providing valuable data.
- Source Tracing: Although the stray puppy was likely untraceable, such cases highlight the importance of source tracing for rabies control.
- Awareness Campaigns: Brijesh’s failure to seek immediate vaccination underscores the need for stronger public health campaigns on rabies prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- Health System Assessment: Allegations of denied care raise concerns about healthcare access and rabies management, with forensic reports potentially informing system improvements.
- Policy Implications: Documented rabies deaths like Brijesh’s emphasize the need for enhanced animal control, dog vaccination programs, and public health infrastructure to achieve the "Rabies-Zero by 2030" goal.
Consequences and Awareness
Following Brijesh’s death, health authorities visited Farana village, vaccinating 29 individuals and launching a rabies prevention campaign urging immediate medical attention for animal bites. The incident raised concerns about rabies and healthcare access in rural areas. Brijesh’s family, noting he was their sole breadwinner, has sought government assistance.
Public Health Impact: The tragedy prompted a vaccination drive and increased focus on rabies awareness and treatment access.
