Hantavirus explained and how it killed Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman’s wife

Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, tragically died from a Hantavirus infection. These are the symptoms and how you can protect yourself.

Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, tragically died from a Hantavirus infection, which can cause serious disease in people across the world.

This is what were know about it, and how you can protect yourself.

WHAT IS HANTAVIRUS?

Hantavirus is spread by contact with rodents or their urine or faeces. It does not spread between people. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the US is spread by the deer mouse.

HOW IS HANTAVIRUS SPREAD?

Hantavirus is spread by contact with rodents like rats and mice or their urine or faeces. It does not spread between humans through regular contact.

The virus can cause a severe and sometimes deadly lung infection called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), according to the US CDC.

WHAT SYMPTOMS DO YOU FEEL?

Early symptoms of HPS can include fatigue, fever, muscle aches. Half of patients also say they have headaches, dizziness, chills and other issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, according to the CDC.

Four to 10 days after the first phase of illness, more symptoms can emerge including coughing and shortness of breath. It can also cause death.

WHAT CAN HANTAVIRUS BE MISTAKEN FOR?

Dr Sonja Bartolome of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas told AP: “It really starts like the flu: body aches, feeling poorly overall,” he said.

“Early in the illness, you really may not be able to tell the difference between hantavirus and having the flu.”

IS IT CURABLE?

While there is no known cure, seeking urgent medical attention can help increase the chance of survival. Hydration and rest are recommended but a doctor may offer other medical treatments.

WHERE HAS IT BEEN DETECTED IN THE WORLD?

The US CDC began tracking the virus after an outbreak occurred in 1993 where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.

HOW DID BETSY ARAKAWA CONTRACT HANTAVIRUS?

Dr Heather Jarrell, the chief medical examiner at New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, said, she probably picked it up after she was “exposed to rodent excrement”.

Mr Hackman and his wife lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a known hotspot, before she contracted it days before her death.

His wife would have begun feeling sick three to six days before then “succumbing pretty quickly” to the virus, Dr Jarrell said.

She also said there were signs of “rodent entry” around the property but they “assessed the risk of exposure in the primary residence as low — similar to other well-maintained houses in New Mexico.”

The CDC has offered to test samples involved in Arakawa’s case to learn more about the virus that infected her.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT HANTAVIRUS?

The best way is to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. Use gloves and bleach for cleaning up rodent droppings. It is not advised that people sweep or vacuum up droppings as it could lead to the virus becoming airborne. Homeowners should also seal holes or gaps in their homes to stop rodents from entering.

Originally published as Hantavirus explained and how it killed Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman’s wife