The sudden passing of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their New Mexico home has left the world in shock. However, the autopsy results that emerged on Friday were even more astonishing, revealing that Betsy had died a week before her husband. The autopsy showed that Betsy succumbed to a rare viral infection known as hantavirus, which causes a deadly respiratory disease. Gene Hackman, who was suffering from severe Alzheimer’s disease, was unaware of his wife’s death and passed away a week later due to a heart condition.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease that is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. When these substances dry out, the virus can become airborne and be inhaled by humans. According to medical experts, the virus can cause symptoms similar to the flu, but in severe cases, it can lead to a life-threatening condition known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that HPS can be fatal in up to 38% of cases.
So, what is hantavirus, and how does it spread? Hantavirus is a type of virus that uses rodents, such as mice and rats, as its primary host. The virus is usually found in the urine, droppings, or saliva of these animals, and can become airborne when these substances dry out. Humans can become infected by inhaling the airborne virus or through direct contact with infected rodents, such as being bitten or scratched.
The symptoms of hantavirus infection can start with fatigue, fever, and muscle pain, followed by headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In severe cases, the virus can cause HPS, which can lead to respiratory failure and death. The incubation period of the disease is typically between two to six weeks.
Globally, there are approximately 15,000 to 20,000 reported cases of HPS each year, with the majority occurring in the United States, particularly in rural areas of California, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. The CDC reports that between 1993 and 2022, there were 864 confirmed cases of hantavirus infection in the United States.
In Thailand, there have been reports of hantavirus-like illnesses, but no severe cases of HPS have been recorded. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that there are over 150,000 cases of hantavirus infections worldwide each year, with the majority occurring in China.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection, and patients with severe symptoms may require hospitalization and respiratory support. Prevention measures include eliminating rodents from homes and buildings, storing food in rodent-proof containers, and using disinfectants to kill the virus. It is also recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when handling rodent droppings or urine.
The sudden passing of Gene Hackman and his wife serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks of hantavirus infection and taking preventive measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones. By understanding the causes and symptoms of this rare but deadly disease, we can take steps to reduce the risk of infection and prevent future tragedies.