Hollywood Actor Gene Hackman's Wife Betsy Arakawa Dies from Hantavirus Infection

Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were recently found dead in their Los Angeles home. Their bodies were discovered a week after their passing. Following an investigation, police confirmed that their deaths were natural. However, medical reports revealed that Betsy Arakawa died due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. New Mexico Chief Medical Officer Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that Gene Hackman passed away from a heart attack and also had Alzheimer's disease, while his wife succumbed to Hantavirus infection.

Hantavirus causes severe respiratory illnesses, high fever, and kidney-related complications. It spreads primarily through rodents, via their urine, saliva, and droppings. According to the U.S. CDC, Hantavirus does not transmit from person to person in most cases. The primary source of infection is direct contact with rodent-contaminated surfaces. In rare cases, a rat bite may also lead to the disease.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare but deadly viral disease affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs. The Cleveland Clinic reported that the virus spreads rapidly and can be life-threatening. The infection occurs when humans come into contact with rodent waste. Since 1993, only 864 cases have been reported in the U.S., with the highest numbers in New Mexico (122 cases) and Colorado (119 cases). Early symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and abdominal pain. Doctors emphasize early diagnosis and treatment, as 40% of infected individuals face critical complications. The disease can lead to severe breathing issues, heart failure, and respiratory collapse. A blood test can easily confirm the infection.