Gene Hackman's Wife Dies from Hantavirus Complications
Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome linked to rodent exposure, prompting health warnings.
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The virus is not spread from person to person.
Rare hantavirus that killed Gene Hackman's wife surged in Arizona in 2024
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Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses carried by rodents, primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.
Hantavirus: What is disease that killed Gene Hackman's wife?
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Most hantavirus cases are seen in rural areas, where it is more likely for rodents to get into homes or barns, the CDC noted.
What is hantavirus, the cause of Gene Hackman’s wife’s death?
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Summary
Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease linked to infected rodents. HPS symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and can lead to severe respiratory complications with a mortality rate of around 38%. Her passing was soon followed by Hackman's death from heart disease and Alzheimer's. Hantavirus is primarily spread through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent droppings and is rare in the U.S., with only 864 cases reported from 1993 to 2022. Health officials emphasize rodent control and awareness of symptoms to prevent infections.
Perspectives
Hantavirus, carried by rodents, can lead to severe respiratory illness known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which caused Betsy Arakawa's death.
Precautions against hantavirus include rodent control and avoiding contact with contaminated areas, as it is primarily spread through inhalation of particles from rodent droppings and urine.
Although rare, hantavirus cases have been sporadic in the Southwest and can manifest with serious symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and respiratory difficulties.