Arizona cases of the same virus that killed Gene Hackman's wife were fatal in 2025
The two positive cases of Hantavirus in Arizona for 2025 have been fatal, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
These fatalities follow four Hantavirus-related deaths in Arizona in 2024 and come just days after the death of Betsy Arakawa in New Mexico, the pianist and wife of actor Gene Hackman, who passed away from the virus shortly before her husband.
"Although contracting the virus is rare, 38% of cases are fatal," ADHS spokesperson Magda Rodriguez said.
In addition to the 2025 infection data, the health department provided The Arizona Republic updated figures on positive 2024 Hantavirus cases.
Hantavirus causes a potentially fatal illness known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can lead to fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing.
The ADHS reports that Arizona had 11 confirmed cases of Hantavirus in 2024, five of which were fatal.
Most of the cases were in northern Arizona, with five in Apache County, three in Coconino County, two in Navajo County, and one in Pima County.
Seven of the cases were residents of the Navajo Nation, where the most common strain of the virus first emerged and led to a historic outbreak in 1993.
Hantavirus is typically spread by wild rodents like the deer mouse, though the virus is not exclusively transmitted by these animals, according to ADHS.
Despite recent headlines, the health department reassures that "Hantavirus is a rare disease."
Since 1990, the reported cases per 100,000 Arizonans have remained between 0% and 0.2%.
However, the virus is not confined to one area and can be found throughout the Southwest.
Hantavirus is usually spread from rodents through viral droplets agitated from stirring up material contaminated with rodent urine, saliva or feces, according ADHS.
"Most Hantavirus exposure is due to residential rodent infestation. Additionally, people can be exposed when entering unused buildings, and coming in contact with rodent burrows outdoors," said the spokesperson.
The virus is not spread from person to person.
ADHS stated that there is no vaccine for Hantavirus, and treatment only involves supportive care for symptoms, which can appear 1-8 weeks after exposure.
A positive infection leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome may cause symptoms such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches, dizziness, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, according to ADHS.
ADHS provided the public the following tips to prevent the spread of Hantavirus and a possible case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
Reduce rodent habitats around the home, work, and recreational environments. Remove brush, rock piles, firewood, and possible food sources.
Eliminate or minimize contact with rodents in the home by sealing holes and gaps in homes or garages, placing traps in and around homes, and cleaning up any easy-to-get food.
If you suspect rodent activity in/around your home:
Avoid actions that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming and take precaution when cleaning areas where rodents may be present
Before cleaning an area suspected of contamination, open all doors and windows. Ventilate the space by airing it out for 30 minutes and leave the area during this time.
Use a 10% bleach solution and spray down areas where rodent/mouse droppings or nests are found and allow the solution to soak for at least 15 minutes to kill the virus.
After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and a mask to clean up the droppings with disposable materials such as paper towels or rags.
Contact public health officials and seek medical care if you are experiencing signs of Hantavirus after possible exposure to areas with rodents or rodent droppings.
Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hantavirus cases in Arizona in 2025 have, to date, all been deadly
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