Actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died after contracting Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a New Mexico medical examiner announced on Friday.
Hackman and Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home last month. The 95-year-old Academy Award-winning actor is believed to have died of heart disease around a week after his wife, on February 18.
“Because hantavirus infection can be serious, even deadly, it is important to know how to prevent it. The best way to prevent hantavirus infection is to keep wild rodents, especially mice, out of your home, workplace, cabin, shed, car, camper, or other closed space,” the California Department of Public Health stated.
But what is Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome? Here’s what you need to know about the virus often spread by rodents:
What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs.
The rare virus initially causes flu-like symptoms that can progress to more acute illness where people have trouble breathing. It is fatal in nearly 4 out of 10 people who are infected.
Just under 730 cases were identified in the U.S. between 1993 and 2017. Nearly all cases were west of the Mississippi River.
How is it spread?
Hantaviruses, which can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, are spread through the urine, feces and saliva of infected rodents.
The most common hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the U.S. is spread by the deer mouse. Cases normally occur in rural areas, although animals can enter homes where they may leave urine or feces.
While dogs and cats are not known to become infected with hantavirus in the U.S., pets may bring infected rodents to people or into homes.
It is typically reported in the spring and summer.
What are its symptoms?
Early symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome may resemble other respiratory illnesses.
Those can include fever, dry cough, body aches, headaches, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the American Lung Association. In most recorded cases, they can develop between a week to two months after exposure.
If the initial symptoms are not treated, late symptoms will onset rapidly.
These symptoms include cough and shortness of breath, as well as bleeding and failure of the heart to pump.
“The combination of these changes can lead to shock, failure of several organs and even death,” the association says.
How is the condition treated?
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Patients should receive supportive care, including rest, hydration, and treatment of symptoms.
The disease, in severe cases, can cause breathing difficulties and might require intubation.
It can also disrupt kidney function, which could lead to a need for dialysis.