Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died after contracting hantavirus, a rare but serious disease spread by rodents.
Now, health officials in Nevada are warning residents to take precautions. On June 10, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and the Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed two new cases of hantavirus in the state.
Officials urged people to watch for signs of rodent activity and to protect themselves from exposure.
Melissa Bullock, Nevada’s medical epidemiologist, stressed the importance of early detection. She said anyone who has been near rodents, their nests, or droppings and develops symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Hantavirus spreads mainly through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, or saliva. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. These can progress to coughing and difficulty breathing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe illness. Nearly 40% of people infected with HPS die. However, early diagnosis through blood tests and prompt treatment can improve outcomes.
With warmer weather, more people are spending time in places like sheds, barns, trailers, garages, and cabins — all common habitats for deer mice, the main carriers of the virus.
To reduce the risk of hantavirus, health agencies recommend these steps:
- Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Seal cracks, gaps, or holes in buildings to prevent mice from entering.
- Keep spaces clean and free of food or clutter.
- Wear gloves and an N95 mask when cleaning areas with signs of rodents.
In March, New Mexico officials confirmed that Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Investigators later found evidence of rodent entry in buildings on the couple’s property.
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