Hantavirus concerns rise as Gene Hackman's wife passes away
Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease transmitted by rodents. Meanwhile, additional cases of hantavirus infection were reported in California, raising concerns among local health services.
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in New Mexico at the end of February. According to the American weekly "People," the cause of Betsy Hackman's death was hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), as confirmed by Heather Jarrell, the chief medical examiner for the state of New Mexico.
HPS is a rare but deadly disease transmitted by rodents. Meanwhile, in the California city of Mammoth Lakes, there were three cases of deaths caused by HPS.
Tom Boo, a public health official in Mono County, described the situation as "tragic and alarming." Although sporadic rodent presence was noticed at one of the victims' workplaces, there is no evidence directly linking the deaths to virus infection.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of rodents such as mice and rats. HPS symptoms develop one to eight weeks after infection, with initial symptoms including fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. In the later stages, symptoms escalate to coughing and difficulty breathing.
In a conversation with "People," Tom Boo urged awareness of rodents and their droppings, as many of us encounter mice in everyday life, which involves some risk. He emphasized the importance of being aware of the threats related to hantavirus and taking appropriate precautions.
Gene Hackman died a few days after his wife due to heart disease with complications arising from Alzheimer's disease. His death was not related to hantavirus.
