What’s hantavirus pulmonary syndrome? Gene Hackman’s spouse Betsy Arakawa’s reason for dying defined

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What’s hantavirus pulmonary syndrome? Gene Hackman’s spouse Betsy Arakawa’s reason for dying defined

Betsy Arakawa, the classical pianist married to Gene Hackman, died final month of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a uncommon infectious illness linked to rodents, New Mexico officers introduced Friday.

Arakawa final left the Santa Fe, New Mexico, mansion she shared with Hackman on Feb. 11, which was additionally the final time she despatched any communications, in keeping with Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.


Betsy Arakawa, the classical pianist married to Gene Hackman, died final month of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a uncommon infectious illness linked to rodents, New Mexico officers introduced Friday. Sherry Gaber through USA Right now

She doubtless died of the virus that day, New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell mentioned at Friday’s information convention.

Right here’s all the things it’s good to find out about hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.


Hackman and Arakawa were married in 1991. They are pictured here in 1992.
Hackman and Arakawa had been married in 1991. They’re pictured right here in 1992. Ron Galella Assortment through Getty Pictures

The way you get it

People get hantaviruses by way of contact with contaminated rodents, both by inhaling virus particles from rodent droppings or nesting supplies, consuming meals contaminated with mouse saliva, urine or droppings or being bitten or scratched by a rat carrying the virus.

Within the US, most infections happen west of the Mississippi River.

Deer mice are the commonest offender in North America, however there are others as properly. Rice rats and cotton rats are carriers within the Southeast and white-footed mice within the Northeast.

Signs

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough 

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