SANTA FE, N.M. — Officials announced Friday that pianist Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman’s wife, died of hantavirus nearly a week before he too died.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there have been 864 reported cases of hantavirus from 1993 to the end of 2022. New Mexico had the highest number over that time, at 122. The disease is also contractible in other countries and on other continents.
Here’s what to know about hantavirus, how severe it is and how to prevent becoming infected.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings. It is typically is reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas.
There is about a two to three week incubation period from infection to showing symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms may be confused with those caused by influenza, including: fatigue, fever, muscle aches, chills, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
As the disease progresses over four to 10 days, and possibly becomes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), symptoms can also include fluid in the lungs, cough, low blood pressure and tightness in the chest, according to the CDC.
The CDC says 38% of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.
How do people get hantavirus?
The disease is often carried by rats and mice and humans can become infected when coming into contact with rodent urine, feces or saliva.
People can become exposed by inhaling the virus, eating contaminated food, touching contaminated things or being bitten or scratched by an infected rodent, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Officials say there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission of hantavirus in Northern America and Gene Hackman’s official cause of death was tied to heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease contributing.
How to prevent hantavirus?
Health officials say there are a few ways to reduce risk of hantavirus infection.
- Block rodent access by sealing all holes with proper screening they cannot eat or squeeze through
- Wash dishes promptly and get rid of food that could entice rodents inside
- Clear brush and grass from outside your home to prevent rodents from nesting nearby
- Air out unused spaces and check for signs of rodents
People with rodents nearby can prevent the spread of or being infected by the virus by taking additional precautions when cleaning, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Those cleaning rodent droppings should wear a mask and gloves
- Use disposable towels and throw them out after use
- Spray the rodent nest, dropping or dead creatures with alcohol, disinfectant or bleach and let it sit before cleaning it up
- Wash your gloves then dispose of them and your used mask once done cleaning
- Wash your hands thoroughly after the gloves have been removed
Health officials reporting on the death Friday said they have alerted the CDC to the case and they “get a few cases a year.”