Cause of Betsy Arakawa's Death Confirmed as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

The rare and deadly rodent-borne illness has been identified as the cause of death for Gene Hackman’s wife, highlighting ongoing public health concerns.

Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare disease caused by exposure to infected rodent waste.
HPS is primarily transmitted through deer mice and can lead to severe respiratory issues, with a fatality rate of approximately 38% among infected individuals.
Arakawa's death occurred in February at her New Mexico home, with her husband Gene Hackman passing days later from unrelated heart disease.
Symptoms of HPS include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, progressing to lung fluid buildup and breathing difficulties in severe cases.
Preventive measures include keeping rodents out of living spaces, properly cleaning areas with potential rodent exposure, and avoiding direct contact with rodent waste.