FactCheck: Animal activist Ambika Shukla claims rabies is a delicate virus and can be washed off. How true is this?

Ambika Shukla, an animal welfare activist and sister of Maneka Gandhi, in a conversation with the media, stated that rabies is a delicate virus that can be washed off using soap. 

 

Her statements came in the backdrop of the ongoing protests by animal lovers in the Delhi-NCR region over the recent SC order directing the authorities to relocate the strays from streets to shelters at the earliest. 

 

Calling the stray dog menace extremely grim, SC ordered the Delhi government and concerned authorities to start picking up stray dogs and keep them in shelters, warning of strict action against anyone obstructing the drive.

 

Her statements on the rabies virus have drawn mixed reactions from netizens, with many criticising her for spreading wrong facts about the same. 

 

How true are her claims?

Rabies virus enters the body through the saliva of an infected animal through a bite or a scratch. It is partially true that washing the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes can help disinfect the area. But vaccination too is important, as washing alone is not enough, and it just reduces the risk by buying time. 

 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the following are the measures suggested for the category of contact with a suspect rabid animal. 

 

Category I- touching or feeding animals, animal licks on intact skin (no exposure)

Measure suggested: Washing of exposed skin surfaces

 

Category II: nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding (exposure)

Measure suggested: Wound washing and immediate vaccination

 

Category III: single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, contamination of mucous membrane or broken skin with saliva from animal licks, exposures due to direct contact with bats (severe exposure)

Measure suggested: Wound washing, immediate vaccination and administration of rabies immunoglobulin/monoclonal antibodies

 

For more information, visit a healthcare facility or an expert. 

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