Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, sadly died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus — a rare but serious disease carried by infected rodents.
Health experts warn that hantavirus can cause flu-like symptoms following exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. In severe cases, the infection can develop into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal condition that affects the lungs. Medical investigators believe Ms. Arakawa contracted HPS, which ultimately led to her death.
Reports suggest she passed away approximately one week before her husband, Gene Hackman, who was reportedly in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Authorities discovered the couple deceased in their New Mexico in February.
A week after their bodies were found, the New Mexico Department of Public Health carried out a full inspection of the couple’s sprawling property. What they uncovered was alarming. Rodent nests, faeces, and even carcasses were discovered across eight separate buildings on the estate – including garages, sheds and guesthouses. Inspectors also found evidence of rodents inside two vehicles, along with traps throughout the outbuildings, suggesting the issue was long-running. Here’s what you need to know about hantavirus.
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses carried by rodents, primarily transmitted to humans through inhaling airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections typically occur when virus particles become airborne from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Though rare, hantavirus can also spread through bites or scratches from infected rodents.
Hantavirus can cause two severe illnesses:
You can contract these diseases through:
Hantavirus, in particular, spreads through inhalation of virus particles stirred into the air from dried rodent waste.
If you’re bitten by a rodent, clean the wound immediately and thoroughly, apply a waterproof dressing, and monitor for signs of infection. Seek medical help if the wound doesn’t heal properly.
Certain groups should take extra precautions: infants, the elderly, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes.
Since there are no vaccines for these infections, prevention relies on strict hygiene. While Leptospirosis and rat-bite fever can be treated with antibiotics, other infections like hantavirus and LCMV have no specific treatment.
According to the NHS, you should not eat, drink or smoke while tending to your pet rodent.
Keep rodent cages clean and remove soiled bedding often. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent urine, droppings, or nests, as this can release infectious particles into the air.
Instead:
By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy the companionship of your pet rodent while protecting your health.
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