With recent news of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa’s death, investigators were looking for the cause of death, given that Arakawa died about a week prior to Hackman. It was concluded that she had hantavirus, a virus spread by droppings from rats and mice. In the United States, Hauntavirus causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Though rare, it was confirmed that Arakawa died from HPS.
HPS affects the lungs, with symptoms beginning one to eight weeks after exposure to infected rodents. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. Four to ten days after the initial phase of symptoms, late stage symptoms appear, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and tightening of the lungs, due to fluid filling the lungs. 38% of people that develop respiratory symptoms from the virus die from it.
There is no specific treatment for this virus, however some patients may need intubation or an oxygen mask to increase airflow to the lungs. It is extremely important to try to prevent this by sealing any gaps or holes in your home and calling exterminators if necessary.