Official Announcement

Officials in the Santa Fe area have provided new details regarding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were discovered deceased at their ranch home last month. The recent press conference revealed that the cause of Betsy Arakawa’s death was complications related to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Understanding Hantavirus

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious disease caused by a specific type of hantavirus. The Mayo Clinic reports that this rare infection can escalate rapidly and lead to severe complications affecting the heart and lungs.

Rodent Carriers

The primary carriers of the hantavirus in North America are deer mice. While person-to-person transmission is exceptionally rare, there has been one confirmed case involving the Andes virus, a strain found in South America.

Symptoms and Progression of the Disease

Hantavirus infection manifests in two distinct stages:

Stage 1 Symptoms

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea

If not promptly treated, the infection can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythms

The incubation period for hantavirus leading up to symptom onset typically ranges from two to three weeks.

Mortality Rate and Statistics in New Mexico

The mortality rate associated with hantavirus is reported to be between 38% to 50%, as stated by Heather Jarrell, the chief medical examiner for New Mexico. Over the last five years, New Mexico has recorded between one and seven cases of hantavirus infections annually, amounting to 136 reported infections over a span of 50 years, with five cases occurring in Santa Fe County. Officials noted that approximately 42% of these infections resulted in fatalities.

Potential Exposure at the Hackman Residence

In light of Betsy Arakawa’s death, state health officials conducted a risk assessment at the Hackman residence to investigate potential sites of hantavirus exposure. The assessment indicated a low risk in their primary living area; however, signs of rodent entry were detected in other structures on the property. Officials advised on measures to mitigate the risk of hantavirus transmission in these affected areas.