Rare Virus That Killed Gene Hackman’s Wife Claims 3 More

A deadly rodent-borne virus that claimed the life of legendary actor Gene Hackman’s wife has now killed three more people in California, raising serious concerns about a potential outbreak of the rare but lethal disease.

Key Takeaways

Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-transmitted disease, in February 2024
Three additional fatal cases have been reported in Mammoth Lakes, California, alarming health officials with their unusual early-year timing
The virus carries a one-third mortality rate and is typically contracted through contact with infected rodent waste
Health authorities are particularly concerned because one recent victim showed no evidence of rodent exposure, raising questions about transmission
Mono County has recorded the highest number of hantavirus cases in California since 1993, with 27 reported incidents

A Hollywood Tragedy Turns Into Public Health Concern

The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in February 2024 initially shocked the entertainment world, but the cause has now sparked wider health concerns. Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly virus transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Hackman, who suffered from cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s, passed away approximately a week later in their Santa Fe home after apparently being unable to seek help following his wife’s death.

The couple’s bodies were discovered in separate areas of their home – Arakawa on the bathroom floor and Hackman in a mudroom. While the couple lived a relatively reclusive life in Santa Fe, the unusual circumstances of their deaths prompted an investigation. Lawyers for Hackman’s estate have been working “to protect Gene and Betsy’s property, including photographs and videos of their dead bodies” from being released to the public as authorities continue to piece together the timeline of events.

🇺🇸 RARE VIRUS KILLS 3 IN CALI TOWN—INCLUDING GENE HACKMAN'S WIFE

A third person has died from hantavirus in Mammoth Lakes, California—bringing the death toll to three since February.

The virus, usually spread through mouse droppings and urine, killed Gene Hackman’s wife earlier… https://t.co/DJq2lPipw7 pic.twitter.com/nDkmZMNIxn

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 5, 2025

Three New Fatal Cases Raise Alarm

In a disturbing development, three people in Mammoth Lakes, California, have now died from the same virus that killed Arakawa. Mono County Public Health officials confirmed these fatalities, describing the situation as both “tragic” and “alarming.” What makes these cases particularly concerning to health officials is their timing. Hantavirus infections typically occur in late spring or summer, but these cases emerged much earlier in the year, a pattern described as “strikingly unusual” by local health authorities.

“The occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year,” said Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County Public Health Officer. “A third case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), each of which has been fatal, is tragic and alarming. We don’t have a clear sense of where this young adult may have contracted the virus.”

Even more troubling is that while one case was linked to vacuuming rodent waste during a known home infestation, investigators found no evidence of mouse activity in the latest victim’s environment. This mystery surrounding transmission has heightened concerns about potential new pathways for the virus to spread, putting pressure on health officials to determine if the virus has mutated or found new vectors.

Understanding the Deadly Virus

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is transmitted primarily through contact with deer mice droppings, causing symptoms including fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and coughing. The disease progresses rapidly and can quickly become life-threatening as lungs fill with fluid. While rare, with only 20 to 50 cases reported annually across the United States, the virus has a staggering one-third mortality rate, making it one of the deadliest infectious diseases when contracted.

“It’s a pretty horrific progression,” noted Greg Mertz, a health official familiar with the virus. The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms before rapidly deteriorating into respiratory distress, often requiring intensive medical intervention. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms are severe enough to seek emergency care, the virus has frequently progressed too far for effective treatment.

Mono County has recorded 27 hantavirus cases since 1993, the highest number in California. This concentration of cases in one region has long puzzled researchers, but the recent spate of infections has intensified the search for answers. President Trump’s administration has directed the CDC to prioritize investigation of these unusual cases, particularly focusing on whether environmental changes or rodent population shifts might be contributing to the unexpected timing and clustering of cases.