In a tragic turn of events, legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away just days apart, leaving fans across the world mourning the loss of the iconic Academy Award-winning star and his longtime partner. But what has caught the attention of medical experts and public health officials is the unusual cause behind Betsy’s death: a rare and often deadly illness known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
While Hackman, 95, reportedly died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease contributing to his declining health, Betsy Arakawa, just 65, succumbed to a hantavirus infection—a virus most commonly spread by rodents. The close timing of their deaths has spotlighted not only their enduring love but also a growing public health concern that is now being described as “alarming.”
A Silent but Deadly Virus
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is not something most people have heard of, let alone worry about. Yet, for those living in the American Southwest and other rodent-prone areas, it is a very real risk. Spread primarily through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, HPS can be contracted by breathing in dust particles contaminated by these waste materials. In rare cases, it can also be transmitted through direct contact or bites.
Though still considered rare—with only around 1,000 reported cases in the U.S. since tracking began in 1993—HPS has a fatality rate of nearly 40%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In other words, almost 4 in 10 people who become infected do not survive.
A Worrying Spike in Cases
According to CBS News, only seven cases of HPS had been reported in New Mexico in all of 2024. But just this week, Mono County Public Health in California confirmed three additional deaths linked to the virus in a short time span. Health officials have called the situation “tragic” and “concerning,” raising alarms about a potential uptick in infections, especially in rodent-heavy regions like Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra.
The passing of Betsy Arakawa appears to be part of this growing concern. Though hantavirus remains a rare diagnosis, the recent cluster of fatalities, combined with rising rodent activity, is prompting a call for increased public awareness and caution.
What is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a serious, fast-progressing viral illness that primarily affects the lungs and heart. The virus belongs to a family of hantaviruses found across the Americas, often hosted by deer mice, cotton rats, and other wild rodents.
The condition starts with flu-like symptoms such as:
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Fever and chills
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Headache
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Muscle aches
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Nausea or vomiting
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Stomach discomfort
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Fatigue
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A dry cough
As the disease progresses, the symptoms can quickly escalate. Fluid begins to build in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Blood vessels throughout the body, including in the heart and lungs, start to leak. As these vessels weaken, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to shock, organ failure, and, in many cases, death.
What makes HPS so frightening is how quickly it can advance from mild symptoms to a life-threatening emergency. That’s why early recognition and immediate medical attention are critical.
Why It’s So Dangerous
One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing hantavirus is its rarity and non-specific early symptoms. Many people initially assume they have a bad case of the flu or a respiratory virus. By the time breathing problems begin, the infection has often reached a critical stage.
Once inhaled, the virus rapidly spreads in the body, targeting the blood vessels and damaging the lungs and heart. Medical professionals warn that by the time a patient is in shock, organ damage can be so severe that recovery is difficult, even with intensive care.
What makes it even more dangerous is that there is currently no specific treatment or cure for HPS. Supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and intensive monitoring, is the main course of action. In some cases, early hospitalization and critical care can save lives, but prevention remains the most effective strategy.
A Call to Action from Health Officials
In light of the recent deaths, including that of Betsy Arakawa, health experts are urging people—especially those living in rodent-prone areas—to take proactive steps in reducing exposure to rodents.
Mono County Public Health officials are encouraging residents and visitors alike to:
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Seal homes and buildings to prevent rodent entry
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Eliminate food sources by keeping garbage and food sealed
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Clean safely: When cleaning rodent-infested areas, always wear gloves and a mask. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming, which can stir up virus-contaminated particles into the air.
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Dispose of rodent waste carefully, using a disinfectant solution and disposable cloths
Public health officials also note that rodent populations tend to rise seasonally or during particular weather conditions. As such, areas like the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes, and rural parts of the Southwest are at higher risk.
Remembering a Tragic Loss
Gene Hackman, best known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Conversation, had largely stepped away from public life in recent years, enjoying retirement with Betsy Arakawa. The couple shared over three decades together before their untimely passing in February 2024.
While Hackman’s death was attributed to heart complications and Alzheimer’s disease, Arakawa’s sudden loss at the age of 65 has put an unexpected spotlight on hantavirus—a disease many still know little about.
The Bigger Picture
Though hantavirus infections remain rare, their lethality demands respect and awareness. The recent uptick in deaths, particularly in California and New Mexico, serves as a reminder that environmental diseases can still pose serious threats—especially when they go unnoticed.
As researchers continue to monitor and study the virus, public education and prevention remain our best defense. Clean environments, rodent-proofing homes, and understanding the early signs of infection can save lives.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, let their story also be a wake-up call: even rare diseases can have devastating consequences—and staying informed can be the first step toward staying safe.
