In February 2025, Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead—along with their pet dog—in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Reports indicate that Betsy Arakawa passed away about a week before her husband from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
Key Points on HPS:
- Transmission:
- HPS is caused by a family of rodent-borne viruses.
- The virus is spread through contact with rodent urine, faeces, or saliva, typically from species such as the deer mouse.
- Disease Characteristics:
- HPS is endemic to the Western Hemisphere.
- It presents with flu-like symptoms one to eight weeks after exposure.
- There is no known cure or specific treatment, making early detection critical.
(Source: Indian Express)
