Tragic Deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa: Health Officials Reveal Cause
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have had their causes of death disclosed by New Mexico health officials. Hackman has passed away due to a type of heart disease, while Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus—a rare illness typically transmitted through rodents.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical examiner for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, reported on Friday that Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, described as a “severe and potentially fatal disease” that affects the lungs, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Investigators noted signs of rodent activity in their home, although they could not determine the precise manner in which Arakawa contracted the virus.
Gene Hackman, at 95, died from heart disease, specifically hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, conditions characterized by elevated blood pressure and arterial plaque buildup.
Understanding Hantavirus
How Is Hantavirus Contracted?
According to the CDC, hantavirus is primarily contracted through contact with infected rodents, such as rats and mice. Infection can occur via exposure to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. In rare cases, bites or scratches from infected rodents can also transmit the virus. The deer mouse is the most common carrier of hantaviruses in North America.
Early Symptoms of Hantavirus
Symptoms in the early stages resemble those of the flu and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms may easily be confused with other illnesses.
Symptoms Associated with Hantavirus
Hantaviruses can lead to two primary syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Arakawa’s death was due to HPS, which includes symptoms like fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and dizziness. Late-stage symptoms involve respiratory distress, including coughing and shortness of breath. HFRS symptoms generally appear within one to two weeks of exposure and can involve severe headaches, abdominal pain, and potentially acute kidney failure.
Severity of Hantavirus
The CDC reports that approximately 38% of individuals who develop respiratory symptoms due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome may die from the illness. In New Mexico, the state public health veterinarian noted that 42% of reported cases have been fatal.
Frequency of Hantavirus Cases
Hantavirus cases are rare, with only 864 occurrences documented from 1993 through 2022. The states with the highest number of cases include New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona—94% of the infections have been observed west of the Mississippi River. Annually, New Mexico records between one to seven hantavirus infections.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Hantavirus can be challenging to diagnose, particularly in the initial days following exposure. The CDC advises those who suspect exposure to seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections, emphasizing the importance of avoiding contact with rodents and properly cleaning areas where rodents have been present.
Background on Hackman and Arakawa’s Deaths
Initially, the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths were viewed as “suspicious.” Both were found deceased together in their home, with Hackman discovered in the mudroom and Arakawa in the bathroom. Authorities later ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause. Reports suggest that Arakawa may have passed away first, with Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s disease possibly affecting his awareness of her passing.
