What Is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, The Disease That Killed Gene Hackman’s Wife Betsy Arakawa?

“This tragic death reminds us that hantavirus remains a serious public health concern in our state,” said Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health, in a statement. “While cases are relatively rare, the mortality rate is significant.”

What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?

HPS is a severe disease caused by a family of viruses known as the hantaviruses, though the most common member of the family to cause the illness in the US is the Sin Nombre virus. 

It’s primarily spread by the deer mouse, with people becoming infected when exposed to its urine, droppings, or saliva. For example, some people can contract the virus by breathing in contaminated air when cleaning up after the mice, or by touching something that’s contaminated and then touching their nose or mouth without washing their hands first. The virus doesn’t spread between people.

While HPS is considered to be a respiratory illness – meaning it affects the lungs – some of the early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, and in some people, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. As a result, it might be mistaken for something like the flu or a stomach bug. These symptoms typically appear between one to eight weeks after coming into contact with an infected rodent.

However, around four to 10 days after initial symptoms appear, people infected with HPS can develop a cough and trouble breathing. This is because the virus causes cells in the lungs to become “leaky”, causing the lungs to be filled with fluid. 

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 38 percent of people who develop these respiratory symptoms are at risk of dying from the disease. 

How is HPS treated?

There isn’t a specific treatment for HPS, so recovery from the infection usually involves plenty of rest, hydration, and tackling specific symptoms. For example, people experiencing trouble breathing might need oxygen therapy.

The crucial factor when it comes to treating HPS is timing; once in the acute stages of the disease, patients can quickly deteriorate. “It’s important for people with HPS to begin treatment as early as possible to improve their chances of recovery,” says the CDC. “HPS is fatal in nearly four in 10 people who are infected.”

How common is HPS in the US?

The US first started monitoring cases of HPS back in 1993, and by the end of 2022, there had been a total of 834 reported cases in the country. In New Mexico, where Arakawa and Hackman lived, there were 129 reported cases of HPS between 1975 and 2023, and seven last year.

How can HPS be prevented?

One of the main ways to reduce the risk of contracting HPS is to take measures to keep rodents out, such as sealing up any holes in buildings, setting traps, and storing pet food and garbage in rodent-proof containers. Storing things like hay, wood, and compost – where rodents might like to make a cozy home – away from dwellings can also help.

Of course, it’s easier said than done to keep mice out. In places where they might have been, such as garages, sheds, and basements that haven’t been opened up in a while, it’s recommended to air them out for at least an hour before entering. If there are mouse droppings and urine when you do enter, don’t sweep or vacuum it up – disinfect it first, then pop on some rubber gloves, clean up with a paper towel, and then immediately throw the paper towel and wash your hands.

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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.