During March 2025, a small puppy was drowning in a drain in Brijesh's village. When Brijesh tried to save it, the puppy bit his right hand finger.

A tragic incident took place in Bulandshahr, UP. 22-year-old Kabaddi player Brijesh Solanki died a painful death due to rabies in Farana village here. He was bitten by a puppy in March 2025. In such a situation, the question arises that how dangerous is rabies and how fast does it spread in the body? 

How did Brijesh get rabies?

It is being told that Brijesh, who had won a gold medal in the inter-state competition, was preparing for the Pro Kabaddi League. During March 2025, a small puppy was drowning in the drain of the village. When Brijesh tried to save it, the puppy bit his right hand finger. Brijesh ignored it thinking it to be a minor injury and did not get the anti-rabies vaccine. Two months later, during June 2025, Brijesh started showing symptoms of numbness and cold in his right hand. Gradually, his whole body started getting numb and he started getting scared of air and water. After investigation, Brijesh was confirmed to have rabies and he died on June 27. The video of Brijesh writhing in pain before his death is going viral on social media.

How dangerous is rabies?

Rabies is a life-threatening viral disease caused by the rabies virus (Lysavirus, Rhabdovirus family). This neurotropic virus affects the central nervous system of humans, causing acute inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). It is also called hydrophobia or water phobia, because its symptoms include fear of water. Rabies is mainly spread by bites of infected animals, especially dogs. According to the WHO, 26,000 to 59,000 people lose their lives every year due to rabies worldwide. More than 95 percent of these cases are reported in Asia and Africa. 

How fast does rabies spread in the body?

The spread of the rabies virus is determined by many factors. The place of bite, the depth of the wound and the amount of virus are responsible for this. Dr. Swati Rajagopal, an infectious disease specialist at Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, says that the rabies virus reaches the brain through peripheral nerves from the place of animal bite. This process usually takes 1 to 3 months, but in some cases it can take less than a week or more than a year.

How does the rabies virus reach the brain?

• Entry into the body: The rabies virus enters the wound through the saliva of the infected animal. It can spread through bites, scratches or licking of dogs, cats, monkeys, bats or other mammals. If there is a deep wound on the head or face, the virus spreads rapidly.
• Reaching peripheral nerves: From the site of bite, the virus enters the muscles and nerves and moves towards the brain through the nervous system. Its speed can be 3 to 12 mm per day, depending on the distance of the bite site and the brain.
• Brain inflammation: Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes acute inflammation (encephalitis). This causes neurological damage, which can lead to paralysis, coma, and death.

Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.

PC: ABPNews