Hantavirus has claimed the lives of three people in California, including Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman. Betsy, 65, was found alongside Hackman, 95, who passed away from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Mono County Public Health confirmed that the recent deaths in Mammoth Lakes, a town nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, are attributed to hantavirus.
According to Dr. Rhys Parry, a molecular virologist, hantaviruses are a group of viruses typically carried by rodents, which can cause severe illnesses in humans. The most common form that affects people in North, Central, and South America is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which has a high fatality rate. The latest cases in California have raised alarms, with Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County’s public health officer, describing them as “tragic and alarming.”
Dr. Boo emphasized the lack of clarity on where one young adult contracted the virus, noting that an increase in indoor mice elevates the risk of exposure. In some instances, numerous mice were found in homes, but not in all affected houses. The occurrence of multiple cases in such a short span has prompted concern, especially given the early timing in the year.
Deer mice are the most common carriers of hantavirus in the U.S., where many people encounter them regularly. Health officials urge vigilance around mouse droppings, as they can pose a risk. Typically, hantavirus cases peak in late spring and summer, making the current situation particularly unusual.
None of the individuals infected in the recent cases participated in activities that typically increase exposure risk, such as cleaning areas with poor ventilation that contain mouse waste. Instead, they may have contracted the virus during everyday activities at home or work. Being mindful of mice and their waste is crucial to minimizing risk.
Hantavirus spreads when humans inhale virus particles from disturbed rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials. The virus is not known to spread between people in the United States. Other transmission methods include touching contaminated objects and then touching the face, or consuming food contaminated with the virus.
Dr. Marc Siegel from NYU Langone Health highlighted that hantavirus can spread through dust from rodents’ saliva, urine, and areas they contact. While most cases occur in rural areas where rodents might infiltrate homes or barns, the virus remains relatively rare among humans due to the limited number of infected rodents.
Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, which can appear one to eight weeks after exposure. These symptoms can progress to severe respiratory issues, often resulting in fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to respiratory failure.
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, but early intensive care with oxygen therapy and supportive measures are crucial. Dr. Sonja Bartolome from UT Southwestern Medical Center emphasized the importance of seeking medical care promptly, as patients may require mechanical ventilation.
To prevent the spread of hantavirus, health officials recommend sealing gaps in homes to keep mice out and storing food in rodent-proof containers. They also advise against vacuuming or sweeping rodent waste, as this can release the virus into the air. Instead, contaminated areas should be disinfected thoroughly.
