Betsy Arakawa, spouse of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, has tragically passed away from a respiratory illness associated with hantavirus, a rare disease that is transmitted primarily by rodents. Health authorities have confirmed that Arakawa likely contracted Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a serious condition that can lead to severe breathing difficulties and has a mortality rate reaching 38%.
Hantavirus is a strain of viruses found in rodents, with transmission to humans occurring mainly through inhalation of particles from dried rodent feces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that infections commonly arise from exposure to aerosols generated by rodent excretions, but can also occur through bites or scratches from infected rodents. Deer mice are the primary carriers in North America, according to medical sources.
The initial symptoms of hantavirus infection often resemble flu-like conditions, presenting as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, which can then escalate to respiratory issues in severe cases. Confirmed medical investigations indicate that Ms. Arakawa suffered from HPS, leading to her untimely death. She reportedly passed away about a week before Hackman, who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. The couple was discovered in their New Mexico residence last month.
Since the initiation of CDC surveillance in 1993, there have been 864 reported cases of hantavirus across the United States, concentrated mainly in the western states. Worldwide, the NIH estimates approximately 150,000 cases of the more severe Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal syndrome each year, with over half occurring in China.
Currently, no specific treatments exist for hantavirus infections. The CDC advocates for supportive care and emphasizes the importance of preventing rodent contact in residential or work settings. This includes safeguarding entry points in buildings and wearing protective gear while cleaning areas contaminated with rodent droppings.
