A rare outbreak of hantavirus has claimed the lives of three people in California, including actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa. Authorities have confirmed that all three individuals died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disease with a nearly 40% fatality rate.
According to Dr. Rhys Parry, a molecular virologist at the University of Queensland in Australia, most hantaviruses found in North, Central and South America can cause HPS. The disease typically spreads through breathing in virus particles from disturbed rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials.
Mono County Public Health officials have warned that an increase in indoor mice elevates the risk of hantavirus exposure. One person had numerous mice in their home, but no evidence was found in the other two homes. The authorities stress that seeing three cases this early in the year is “strikingly unusual” and believe that deer mouse numbers are high this year.
Hantavirus cases usually occur in late spring and summer, but these recent cases have been fatal. Health officials recommend taking precautions to prevent exposure, such as sealing up gaps in homes, storing food in rodent-proof containers, and wearing gloves and an N-95 mask when cleaning contaminated areas.
Early symptoms of hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, which can progress to serious respiratory symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs. There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantivirus, but early intensive care with oxygen therapy and supportive measures are crucial.
People are advised to be aware of the presence of mice and take precautions to avoid exposure. Health officials emphasize that prevention is key, and by taking simple steps, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting hantavirus.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/hantavirus-cause-gene-hackmans-wifes-death-kills-three-california