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Betsy Arakawa (1959–2025) -

Betsy Arakawa was the second wife of Hollywood actor Gene Hackman. Born in 1959 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Arakawa was a classical pianist of considerable repute.

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Deaths of Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman -

Arakawa was found dead along with Hackman at their home in February 2025. It's believed she died on February 11, a full week earlier than her husband, whose death likely occurred on February 18.

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Causes of deaths -

Law enforcement and health officials eventually concluded that while Gene Hackman died from severe heart disease, complicated by advanced Alzheimer's disease, Betsy Arakawa's cause of death was as a result of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

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What are hantaviruses? -

Hantaviruses, from the Bunyaviridae family, are a group of viruses that are normally carried by infected rodents, such as rats, mice, and voles.

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Prime vectors -

Vectors of hantaviruses include the deer mouse (pictured). This rodent is the primary reservoir species for Sin Nombre hantavirus.

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Bank vole -

The bank vole is also a carrier of the hantavirus and considered another main pathogen.

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Striped field mouse -

The striped field mouse is known to carry several zoonotic pathogens (diseases that can jump from a non-human vertebrate to a human), among them hantaviruses.

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Cotton rat -

And the cotton rat, a native of North and South America, is another known vector of the hantavirus.

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How is hantavirus transmitted? -

People get hantavirus mostly by breathing in the virus after contact with rodents like rats and mice.

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Risk factors -

Anyone who comes into contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, saliva, nesting materials, or particles from these, can get hantavirus disease.

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Rodent infestation -

Exposure to poorly ventilated areas with active rodent infestations in households is the strongest risk factor for infection.

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The danger outdoors -

Visitors to rural areas and nature resorts—campers, hikers, and others who take part in activities outdoors—can also become exposed to the virus.

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Two syndromes -

Hantaviruses cause two syndromes. Hantaviruses found in the Western Hemisphere, including in the United States, can cause HPS—the strain that killed Betsy Arakawa. The most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the US is spread by the aforementioned deer mouse.

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Two different strains -

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a group of clinically similar illnesses caused by hantaviruses. HFRS is found mostly in Europe and Asia.

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Seoul virus -

Seoul virus, a type of hantavirus that causes HFRS, is found worldwide, including in the United States. In this instance, the primary vectors are the black rat and the brown rat.

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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome -

HPS is a rare, severe, and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. Early symptoms are flu-like in character and include fever, dry cough, and headaches.

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HPS: signs and symptoms -

Four to 10 days after the initial phase of illness, the late symptoms of HPS appear. These symptoms include a persistent hack and shortness of breath.

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Advanced HPS -

As it advances, HPS can induce shortness of breath and a tightness in the chest. The lungs may fill with fluid. Lung and heart function quickly become inhibited.

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HPS mortality rate -

If respiratory symptoms develop in those who have HPS, the mortality rate is approximately 38%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) -

Symptoms of HFRS usually develop within one to two weeks after exposure. As with HPS, initial signs of the condition are flu-like in character.

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HFRS: advanced signs and symptoms -

As HFRS worsens, people may experience low blood pressure, weak blood flow, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

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HFRS mortality rate -

HFRS primarily affects the kidneys, and its severity depends on the virus causing the infection. Between 1% and 15% of cases are fatal.

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Diagnosing hantavirus -

Diagnosing HPS and HFRS can be challenging because early symptoms mimic the flu. A history of rodent exposure is therefore vital in detecting the virus. Generally, diagnosis of hantavirus infections in humans is based on clinical and epidemiological information as well as laboratory tests, including blood work.

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Treatment for infections -

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections. Patients should receive supportive care, including rest, hydration, and treatment of symptoms. Those with more severe symptoms may need to be admitted to hospitals in intensive care units. Some may need to be intubated in extreme cases.

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Managing kidney disfunction -

As HFRS disrupts kidney function, severely affected patients may require dialysis to remove toxins from the blood and maintain the right balance of fluids in the body when the organs aren't working well.

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Reducing the risks -

Reducing the risk of hantavirus infections is recommended. Measures include eliminating or minimizing contact with rodents in the home or workplace, for example cleaning up any easy-to-get food that might attract the animals.

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Deterring the causes -

Seal holes and gaps in your home, especially in the attic and basement, to deter rodents from entering these spaces.

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Tell-tale signs -

Look out for tell-tale signs of rodent infestation, typically nest sites and things like gnawed cardboard boxes and suchlike.

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Take precautions -

When clearing up rodent droppings, it's suggested people wear protective gear to avoid inhaling contaminated air.

Sources: (CDC) (BBC) (American Lung Association) (Mayo Clinic) (CBS News) (CNN) 

See also: How do viruses jump from animals to humans?

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