Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, has died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious disease transmitted by rodent excreta. The announcement prompted renewed concerns about the dangers of hantavirus, especially with its high mortality rate in the Southwestern U.S. Health officials explain that exposure can occur through inhalation of contaminated particles, contact with infected rodents, or consuming contaminated food. Although Arakawa's home was said to have a 'low risk' of exposure, signs of rodent presence on the property were observed. Symptoms often develop one to eight weeks after exposure and may escalate quickly.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome attacks the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, presenting a high mortality rate, particularly affecting those in the American Southwest.
Erin Phipps noted that Arakawa's home had a 'low risk' of exposure, but there were signs of rodents on the property, raising further concerns.
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