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New Mexico health officials confirm the rare virus as the cause of death.
Betsy Arakawa, the wife of renowned actor Gene Hackman, has died from hantavirus infection, according to an announcement from New Mexico health officials on Friday. The deadly virus, which is primarily spread through contact with rodents or their droppings, has no specific treatment or cure, though early medical intervention can improve survival chances.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is found globally and is known to cause severe respiratory illness, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease can rapidly progress and become life-threatening.
“It really starts like the flu: body aches, feeling poorly overall,” said Dr. Sonja Bartolome of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “Early in the illness, you really may not be able to tell the difference between hantavirus and having the flu.”
Tracking the Virus
Hantavirus first gained significant attention in the U.S. following an outbreak in 1993 in the Four Corners region, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. Dr. Michelle Harkins, a pulmonologist at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, highlighted how the virus was first identified after young, otherwise healthy patients presented with sudden cardiopulmonary distress.
Since 1993, 864 cases have been reported in the U.S., with western states, particularly New Mexico and Colorado, seeing the highest numbers. In 2023 and 2024, there were seven confirmed cases each year in New Mexico, where officials have recorded 52 hantavirus-related deaths since 1975.
Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of hantavirus infection typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure. Early signs include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, progressing to coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness as fluid builds up in the lungs. The CDC estimates that approximately one-third of patients who develop severe respiratory symptoms succumb to the illness.
Despite years of research, many aspects of the virus remain unknown, including why some individuals experience mild symptoms while others develop severe or fatal cases. Dr. Harkins and her team continue to study the long-term effects of the virus and possible treatment options.
The best prevention method is avoiding exposure to rodents. Experts recommend using gloves and bleach solutions when cleaning up rodent droppings and avoiding sweeping or vacuuming, which can aerosolize the virus.
Ongoing Investigations
The CDC has offered to analyze samples related to Arakawa’s case to determine the specific hantavirus strain responsible for her infection. The findings may contribute to a broader understanding of the disease and aid in future research.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Readers concerned about hantavirus exposure should consult a healthcare professional or refer to CDC guidelines for further information.
