Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but devastating illness that continues to worry public health experts in the American Southwest.

Arakawa, 65, passed away in February at the couple’s Santa Fe home, and Hackman died a week later from unrelated causes. Their tragic story has drawn renewed attention to hantavirus, which officials say is carried by rodents, especially deer mice, and can lead to fatal respiratory complications.

Hantavirus was first recognized in the United States in 1993 after a sudden outbreak in the Four Corners region, where otherwise healthy people developed severe breathing problems and died within days.

It’s awful to think Gene Hackman was on his own, no doubt bewildered because of his Alzheimer’s, for a full week after his wife died suddenly of hantavirus.

No one checked on him.

I hope, at least, people will drop the crazy conspiracy theories now.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/mcPQlfBtBx

— Dr Louise Raw (@LouiseRawAuthor) March 7, 2025

“It’s a horrible disease, and the fatality rate is still thought to be up to 40%, which is really high,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, a retired public health officer who helped characterize that initial outbreak. Although infections remain rare, the possibility of sudden and severe illness has led experts to emphasize prevention whenever rodent infestations occur.

How Does It Spread?

Humans get hantavirus when they come into contact with infected mice or their waste. Rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva, which can form tiny airborne particles once disturbed.

People may inhale these particles while cleaning dusty garages, barn corners, or any place that mice inhabit. It isn’t spread by casual contact with another person. That means looking after your home’s nooks and crannies is key to staying safe.

Public health officials in New Mexico, where Arakawa and Hackman lived, said they found signs of rodent activity in outbuildings on the property, though not inside the main home. The exact source of Arakawa’s infection isn’t certain, but experts say the risk rises when people sweep up old droppings or stir up dust.

“Never sweep up or vacuum mouse droppings, since this can spread particles up into the air,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, a veterinarian with the New Mexico Department of Health.

Symptoms and Course of Illness

Hantavirus generally starts off like the flu, with fever, aches, and fatigue. “Initially, there’s nothing specific that would tell you you have hantavirus. You could think you have Covid or influenza,” Dr. Duchin noted.

Over one to eight weeks after exposure, early symptoms can quickly escalate to trouble breathing and fluid in the lungs. Patients may then decline within hours. “It’s very possible this is missed,” said Dr. Scott Roberts, an assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, since the hallmark signs can mimic other illnesses early on.

In severe cases, the infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure and acute respiratory failure. Doctors focus on supportive treatment, such as oxygen and careful fluid management, because no specific medication or vaccine exists.

Early hospitalization can save lives, though some people deteriorate so rapidly that it’s hard for doctors to intervene in time.

Prevention First

Rodent-proofing homes and outbuildings is the best way to reduce risk. Seal holes and gaps, store food in sturdy containers, and place traps in areas with signs of mice.

If you need to clean a space that has rodent droppings, open windows to let fresh air circulate and wear an N95 mask, long sleeves, and gloves. Dampen waste with disinfectant, then wipe instead of sweeping.

Though hantavirus infections remain infrequent, experts say the resulting disease can be life-threatening if people are unaware. Simple measures and quick medical attention if flu-like symptoms worsen give you the best chance of staying safe.