Authorities have revealed a shocking twist in the tragic deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. 

According to medical investigators in New Mexico, Arakawa, 65, 

succumbed to a rare and deadly lung infection caused by hantavirus, a disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents. 

The illness led to a severe buildup of fluid in her lungs, a condition known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which ultimately proved fatal.

HPS is an exceptionally rare disease in the United States, with only a handful of cases reported each year. 

In the past three decades, approximately 1,000 cases have been identified, 

with fatalities primarily occurring among individuals who have had direct or indirect exposure to rodent-infested areas. It is most commonly associated with farmers, hikers, campers, and the homeless population. The virus spreads when humans inhale airborne particles containing traces of infected rodents’ urine, droppings, or saliva.

Authorities confirmed that Gene Hackman, 95, passed away from cardiovascular disease around February 18, just days after his wife’s untimely death on February 11. The tragic circumstances suggest that Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, may not have been aware that his wife had died. Left alone in their sprawling 9,000-square-foot home, he reportedly wandered in confusion for several days without food or proper care.

The heartbreaking scene inside the residence paints a grim picture of Arakawa’s sudden deterioration. She was discovered on the bathroom floor with her head near a space heater, and scattered thyroid medication pills were found nearby. The discovery of Hackman’s lifeless body in a room adjacent to the kitchen, with his cane and sunglasses beside him, suggests that he may have attempted to leave the house before succumbing to his own health complications. An autopsy revealed that his stomach was empty at the time of his death, indicating he had not eaten for several days.

Adding to the tragedy, authorities found the couple’s three beloved dogs in the home, one of which had also perished. While evidence suggests that dogs can contract hantavirus, they do not exhibit symptoms and are not known to transmit the virus to humans. Officials ruled out the possibility of person-to-person transmission, confirming that Hackman did not contract the virus and died of natural causes.

Further investigation into the couple’s home revealed no rodent activity in the main living areas. However, health officials did discover rodent droppings in the garage and two smaller buildings on the property. Experts suggest that Arakawa may have been exposed to the virus while cleaning these areas, unknowingly inhaling contaminated dust particles.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that surveillance footage from the days leading up to Arakawa’s death showed no signs of illness. She was seen walking, shopping, and visiting stores without any apparent difficulty. The rapid progression of the disease highlights the unpredictable and deadly nature of hantavirus infections.

Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have stepped in to conduct further analysis of the virus strain found in Arakawa. Officials have confirmed that her blood samples tested positive for hantavirus at a state health laboratory, and additional testing is underway to learn more about the specific strain.

Hantavirus is primarily carried by deer mice in the southwestern United States, where Hackman and Arakawa resided. Symptoms of HPS typically appear within one to eight weeks after exposure and include fever, muscle aches, dizziness, chills, and digestive issues. As the disease progresses, it leads to severe respiratory distress due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. With a fatality rate of 30-40%, there is no specific cure for HPS. Treatment primarily consists of supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and hydration.

New Mexico has documented 129 hantavirus cases since 1993, with seven reported in 2023 alone. Experts warn that while the disease remains rare, it is crucial to take preventive measures, such as sealing homes against rodent infestations, properly disposing of food waste, and avoiding activities that could stir up contaminated dust in enclosed spaces.

Dr. David Quammen, an infectious disease expert, speculated that Arakawa may have contracted the virus while sweeping or cleaning in a rodent-infested garage or shed. This theory aligns with past outbreaks, where individuals inhaled contaminated dust while cleaning enclosed spaces.

The tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by hantavirus and the vulnerability of those living in rural areas where exposure to rodents is more likely. As health officials continue to investigate, their findings may provide valuable insights into the spread of the disease and further reinforce the importance of vigilance in rodent-prone environments.

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