Hantavirus Explained: The Rare Disease Linked to Gene Hackman's Wife's Death

Wed Oct 22 2025 16:44:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Betsy Arakawa's passing highlights the dangers of hantavirus, a rodent-borne illness. Here’s what to know about this rare but serious disease.

Hantavirus is a rare viral infection primarily transmitted from rodents. Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, tragically succumbed to complications from this disease. Symptoms can escalate to severe respiratory issues, and prevention is crucial.

Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, tragically passed away due to complications from hantavirus, a rare but serious disease. This viral infection is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected rodents and their droppings. Health officials say that Arakawa likely developed Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe condition impacting the lungs, which can start with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. If respiratory symptoms arise, it has a high mortality rate.

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported around 864 cases of hantavirus between 1993 and 2022, mainly in the western states. Since the CDC began tracking this disease in response to an outbreak in the 1990s, awareness has grown about its potential severity.

There is currently no specific cure for hantavirus; treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Prevention strategies include sealing up homes to prevent rodent access and wearing protective gear during clean-ups. Arakawa's unfortunate passing underlines the importance of recognizing this rare disease and its risks.