Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while her husband, actor Gene Hackman, died from heart disease, according to New Mexico officials. Their bodies were found on February 26, with Hackman likely passing away on February 18. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare disease spread mainly by deer mice. In New Mexico, there were only seven confirmed cases in 2024. The virus is transmitted through rodent droppings, urine, and saliva, not from person to person. Symptoms of hantavirus include flu-like signs such as fever, muscle aches, and cough. Severe cases can lead to shortness of breath and lung failure. Gene Hackman tested negative for hantavirus, and health officials inspected their property for rodent signs.