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A tragic and avoidable death occurred at Nalasopara West, Palghar district (near Mumbai), Maharashtra on March 23-24, 2026. Nine-year-old Kashish Sahni, a Class IV student at Mother Mary School, died of rabies at Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai.

In a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of rabies, a nine-year-old girl from Nalasopara West near Mumbai died on March 23-24, 2026; He contracted the disease six months ago from the scratch of a stray dog. Kashish Sahni, a class four student, was walking with her grandfather when the incident occurred. He was immediately taken to a doctor, where he received initial treatment; But due to extreme fear of needles (injections) he refused to take further anti-rabies vaccinations. As the rash healed and she showed no immediate symptoms, her family did not insist on the full vaccination course.

Kashish appeared to be absolutely fine for months, until her condition rapidly deteriorated early last week. He stopped eating and drinking, his eyes turned red, and he began showing severe symptoms of rabies, including a fear of water. He was first taken to a local hospital and then shifted to Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai for specialized treatment, but he could not be saved. Doctors said the cause of death was rabies.

Health officials have started screening family members and close ones as a precautionary measure. Doctors and municipal officials are now appealing to people not to ignore even minor scratches or bites from dogs or cats. It is very important to get anti-rabies vaccine on time, because there is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, but it can be completely prevented with the right post-exposure treatment.

This tragic incident shows the need for greater awareness, especially among children and parents. Experts recommend counseling or other methods to overcome needle stick fear if necessary, and stress that exposure to stray animals remains a major public health concern in India. Parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention and complete vaccination, regardless of the child’s fear, to avoid such avoidable deaths. After this incident, emphasis is also being laid on community efforts to handle stray dogs responsibly.