The rare disease that killed Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, earlier this year has reportedly claimed three more lives in the United States.
Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their dogs were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in February. While their bodies were found on the same day, it’s believed that they died days apart.
Arakawa is thought to have died on February 11, while Hackman supposedly died several days later on February 18.
They are also understood to have succumbed to differing causes of death. While Hackman is said to have passed from heart disease, his wife reportedly died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The disease is quite rare and is contracted via contact with rodent droppings.
The Virus That Killed Gene Hackman’s Wife Has Shown Up Again And Has Left Medical Experts Confused
According to a concerning report, three more Americans have died as a result of said disease in the small California town of Mono County.
“A third case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), each of which has been fatal, is tragic and alarming,” Mono County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Boo revealed.
Boo also disclosed that there was not yet an indication as to how one of the victims contracted the virus as their home showed no evidence of mouse infestation, although there were some mice at their workplace.
He added that it was “not unusual for indoor spaces this time of year in Mammoth Lakes.”
“We haven’t identified any other activities in the weeks before illness that would have increased this person’s exposure to mice or their droppings,” he continued. “We’ve been aware of this suspected case for some weeks, but it has taken time to obtain testing.”
The first reported case of Hantavirus in Mono County was over 30 years ago, in 1993.
Dr. Boo noted that there was nothing pointing to any of the deceased individuals engaging in activities that would expose them to significant rodent waste.
Local and state public health officials are investigating the cases.
