š A Rising Athlete, A Preventable Death
In a deeply tragic turn of events, Brijesh Solanki, a 22-year-old kabaddi player from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, lost his life to rabiesāa fatal but preventable diseaseāafter being bitten by a puppy he rescued from a drain.
Brijesh was a state-level gold medalist with aspirations to join the Pro Kabaddi League. But what seemed like a minor injury turned into a fatal mistake when he ignored the bite and did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the life-saving vaccine series for rabies.
š¾ The Bite That Should Have Raised Alarm
In March 2025, Brijesh noticed a stray puppy stuck in a drain and rushed to help. During the rescue, the puppy bit his finger. As many might, Brijesh assumed the wound was harmless and did not seek medical treatment. Sadly, this bite set in motion the development of one of the most lethal infections known to medicine.
ā ļø Rabies: A Silent, Fast-Acting Killer
Rabies is a viral infection that spreads through the nervous system, usually via the saliva of infected animalsāmostly dogs. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Symptoms of Rabies:
- Tingling or numbness at the wound site
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Anxiety, agitation, hallucinations
- Paralysis and, eventually, coma
šØ Missed Opportunities for Intervention
Weeks after the bite, Brijesh began experiencing numbness and fatigue. His symptoms worsened quicklyāprogressing to hydrophobia and confusion. According to reports, he was denied treatment or referred multiple times at local hospitals.
Eventually, he was diagnosed with advanced rabies at a hospital in Noida. But by then, it was too late. He died en route to a spiritual healer on June 28, 2025.
š¬ What Could Have Saved His Life?
Immediate and proper treatment after an animal bite can prevent rabies. In Brijesh’s case, the outcome could have been entirely different with just one simple step: post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Recommended Protocol After a Dog Bite:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes.
- Visit a healthcare provider immediately.
- Begin the anti-rabies vaccine series (PEP) within 24ā48 hours.
- Administer rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) for serious bites.
š§ DNA Labs India’s Message: Awareness Is Prevention
At DNA Labs India, we believe health education saves lives. Brijesh’s case highlights the urgent need for public awareness about zoonotic diseases like rabiesāespecially in rural and semi-urban areas where access to healthcare and information may be limited.
Our Recommendations:
- All animal bitesāespecially from stray or unvaccinated animalsāmust be treated as medical emergencies.
- Mass dog vaccination and stray population control should be prioritized by local governments.
- Rural healthcare centers must stock rabies vaccines and RIG and train staff in emergency response.
- Citizens should be educated through schools, public outreach programs, and digital platforms.
š Final Words: Honoring Brijesh Solanki
Brijesh Solanki was more than an athlete. He was a symbol of bravery, kindness, and youthful promise. His attempt to save a helpless animal speaks volumes about his character. His tragic death is a reminder of how critical public health systems and awareness truly are.
šļø Let us honor Brijesh not with sorrow alone, but by ensuring that no more lives are lost to a disease we know how to prevent.
Stay informed. Stay protected. And always act early.
Browse our Health & Awareness section for more life-saving tips and diagnostics support.
