Rare virus that ki.ed Gene Hackman

Betsy Arakawa, 65, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died in February 2025 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare disease transmitted through rodent excretions. Approximately a week later, Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease complicated by advanced Alzheimer’s.

In April, three individuals in Mammoth Lakes, California, also succumbed to HPS, raising concerns among health officials. Dr. Tom Boo noted that such cases are unusual this early in the year, especially without clear links to rodent-infested environments. HPS symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing, progressing rapidly and often proving fatal.

Hantavirus is primarily contracted by inhaling airborne particles from infected rodents’ urine, feces, or saliva. Preventative measures include sealing homes against rodents and using protective gear when cleaning areas with potential rodent contamination.