Tragic hantavirus outbreak claims lives, sparks health alert
Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease spread by rodents. Coinciding with this, several more cases of hantavirus infection were reported in California, sparking 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," Betsy Hackman died of 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 spread by rodents. Meanwhile, in Mammoth Lakes, California, three deaths occurred due to HPS.
Tom Boo, a public health official in Mono County, described the situation as "tragic and alarming." Although occasional rodent presence was noted at one of the victim's workplaces, there is no direct evidence linking the deaths to the virus infection.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of rodents like mice and rats. HPS symptoms develop one to eight weeks after infection, starting with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. In advanced stages, coughing and difficulty in breathing worsen.
In a conversation with "People," Tom Boo urged awareness of rodent exposure, as many of us encounter mice in everyday life, which poses some risk. He stressed the importance of understanding the threats related to hantavirus and taking suitable 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 linked to hantavirus.
