Rodents discovered on Gene Hackman's property after Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus
Rodents discovered on Gene Hackman's property after Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: A deadly virus spread by rodents
Authorities say hantavirus pulmonary syndrome was the cause of death for Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman.
New Mexico authorities have unveiled new information about the circumstances surrounding Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's deaths.
An environmental assessment of the couple's residence that was conducted in March − a week after the two were found dead Feb. 26 − found evidence of rodents across various detached buildings around their property, according to a copy of the report obtained by USA TODAY on April 17.
The New Mexico Department of Health's risk assessment findings included rodent feces in three garages, two casitas and three sheds. There was also one live and one dead rodent, as well as a nest in three different garages.
The assessment noted traps had been set up in outbuildings.
The findings are significant in light of the determination that Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease that can be passed along by rodents is "severe and potentially deadly," per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials revealed in a March 7 press conference that Hackman, 95, died of natural causes. The Oscar-winning actor also had heart disease and complications caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Timeline: What we know of Gene Hackman and his wife's deaths
What are hantaviruses?
Infection is caused by contact with rodents, "especially when exposed to their urine, droppings and saliva," according to the CDC.
Patients can experience symptoms anywhere from one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent. Signs of hantavirus infection include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, chills, dizziness and abdominal issues. Following the "initial phase of illness," a patient could develop a cough and shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
Since hantavirus disease surveillance began in 1993, the CDC has reported 864 cases in the U.S. through the end of 2022. Of the cases, 35% of patients died.
Betsy Arakawa reportedly searched online for COVID-19, flu-like symptoms
The Associated Press and The New York Times reported on April 15 that an investigative report released by New Mexico police revealed a review of Arakawa's computer showed the classical pianist was researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between Feb. 8 and the morning of Feb. 12. Hackman and Arakawa were found dead on Feb. 26, and Hackman likely died around Feb. 18, authorities have said.
Some of Arakawa's online inquiries reportedly included the search terms, "can Covid cause dizziness?" and "Flu and nosebleeds."
A mask, a cane and a frantic dog: Inside the final hours of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
The report also noted Hackman was under the weather shortly before his death, according to AP and the Times. On Feb. 11, Arakawa emailed her massage therapist to cancel an appointment, explaining that Hackman had woken up with "flu/cold-like symptoms," although she shared that he tested negative for COVID-19.
The day after canceling her massage therapy appointment, Arakawa searched online for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe, AP and the Times report. A subsequent review of Arakawa's phone records by investigators showed she had a brief call with the service and missed a return call later that afternoon.
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
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