Animal rights activist Ambika Shukla, sister of BJP MP Maneka Gandhi, is under fire for calling rabies a “mild” and “delicate” virus that can be killed simply by washing a wound with soap. Her comments came during a protest against the Supreme Court’s August 11 order to relocate Delhi-NCR’s stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks.
The Controversial Statement
Speaking at the demonstration, Shukla claimed:
“Rabies virus spreads only when the infection reaches the blood through saliva or blood… But the virus is so delicate that if you wash the wound even with soap, the rabies virus dies.”
She further argued that rabies is “very rare” in India, citing “just 54” cases in a country of over a billion people, and claimed that dog bites are “not as frequent as made out to be.”
Public Criticism and Expert Clarifications
Her remarks drew strong reactions online, with many accusing her of spreading misleading medical information.
Social media users pointed out that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, and that washing a wound, while important, does not guarantee the virus is eliminated.
Medical experts emphasize that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — including rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin — is essential after a bite from a potentially rabid animal.
One user wrote:
“Rabies is not a mild virus; it’s deadly. Washing with soap reduces risk but is not a cure. Medical treatment is critical.”
The Reality of Rabies in India
According to a July report by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), India still loses over 5,700 lives annually to rabies, despite widespread vaccine availability.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists rabies as a “serious public health problem” in more than 150 countries, with the majority of deaths occurring in Asia and Africa.
Key Facts About Rabies
- Caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system.
- Nearly 100% fatal once symptoms develop.
- Immediate wound washing helps reduce viral load but does not eliminate the need for medical care.
- Vaccination is the only proven way to prevent onset after exposure.
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