Investigation reveals alarming rodent presence at the residence, contributing to health risks associated with hantavirus.
Rodent Infestation Linked to Hantavirus Deaths of Gene Hackman's Wife
Rodent Infestation Linked to Hantavirus Deaths of Gene Hackman's Wife
Nests and dead rodents discovered at the home of the late Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife raise concerns over hantavirus transmission.
New Mexico health officials have confirmed the presence of rodent nests and droppings in multiple outbuildings at the Santa Fe home of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose recent deaths have drawn public attention. Arakawa, 65, passed away reportedly from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness caused by viruses typically carried by rodents. This finding was supported by an environmental assessment conducted shortly after the couple's bodies were discovered in February.
The Department of Public Health noted that rodent-related evidence was found in eight outbuildings, with details indicating the presence of rodent faeces, a live rodent, and several nests. Surprisingly, the main house showed no signs of infestation, and measures had been taken with traps set up to manage the situation. Betsy died on February 12, while her husband, 95, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease, was reported to have passed away a week later.
Medical experts attribute Ms. Arakawa's rapid deterioration and death to the effects of HPS, which presents symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and severe respiratory distress. Conversely, Mr. Hackman's death was attributed primarily to severe heart disease, compounded by his relationship with Alzheimer's, which could have obscured his awareness of the situation within their home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight that hantavirus can be deadly, with a respiratory-linked mortality rate of nearly 38% when symptoms emerge. Overall, there have been 864 reported cases of hantavirus across the United States from 1993 to 2022, mainly affecting individuals in rural areas where encounters with rodents are more common.
As investigations continue, the public health implications of this incident underscore the importance of rodent control and awareness of the potential health risks associated with hantavirus transmission in domestic settings.
The Department of Public Health noted that rodent-related evidence was found in eight outbuildings, with details indicating the presence of rodent faeces, a live rodent, and several nests. Surprisingly, the main house showed no signs of infestation, and measures had been taken with traps set up to manage the situation. Betsy died on February 12, while her husband, 95, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease, was reported to have passed away a week later.
Medical experts attribute Ms. Arakawa's rapid deterioration and death to the effects of HPS, which presents symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and severe respiratory distress. Conversely, Mr. Hackman's death was attributed primarily to severe heart disease, compounded by his relationship with Alzheimer's, which could have obscured his awareness of the situation within their home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight that hantavirus can be deadly, with a respiratory-linked mortality rate of nearly 38% when symptoms emerge. Overall, there have been 864 reported cases of hantavirus across the United States from 1993 to 2022, mainly affecting individuals in rural areas where encounters with rodents are more common.
As investigations continue, the public health implications of this incident underscore the importance of rodent control and awareness of the potential health risks associated with hantavirus transmission in domestic settings.
