A rare but deadly virus, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), has resurfaced in the United States, drawing attention after recent reports of fatalities linked to the disease. Among the most tragic cases was the confirmed death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman, due to complications associated with hantavirus. This event has not only shocked the public but also brought renewed focus on the dangers of hantavirus, especially in rural and mountainous regions of the country.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a family of viruses spread primarily by rodents, specifically the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), which is known to inhabit various parts of North America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), humans can become infected through exposure to fresh urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. In rare cases, airborne transmission can occur when particles from rodent excreta are stirred up, particularly in enclosed areas like sheds or cabins.
The condition that results from hantavirus infection is called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The CDC reports that as of the end of 2022, 864 cases of HPS have been reported in the United States since national surveillance began in 1993, with a fatality rate of approximately 36%.
Confirmed Hantavirus Cases in California Town
The virus has claimed additional lives in early 2025, with three confirmed fatalities in Mammoth Lakes, a small resort town located at the base of Mammoth Mountain in Mono County, California. Public health officials were alerted after the victims, all of whom were local residents, reported flu-like symptoms before their conditions rapidly deteriorated.
According to a press release issued by Mono County Public Health on April 3, the three deaths occurred over a span of five weeks — on February 27, March 26, and early April, respectively. Health authorities noted that while one of the victims had clear signs of rodent infestation in their home, no such evidence was found in the residences of the other two individuals.
A Statement from Public Health Authorities
Dr. Tom Boo, the Public Health Officer for Mono County, expressed deep concern over the situation. “A third case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), each of which has been fatal, is tragic and alarming,” he said in the official statement. “We do not have a clear sense of where this young adult may have contracted the virus. The home had no evidence of mouse activity. We observed some mice in the workplace, which is not unusual this time of year in Mammoth Lakes.”
Dr. Boo added that tracing the source of the infection has proven challenging, as none of the victims had reportedly engaged in high-risk activities such as cleaning rodent-infested areas or disturbing enclosed spaces with visible signs of contamination. “These folks may have been exposed during normal daily activities, either in the home or the workplace,” he noted.
Why Are Cases Increasing Now?
Historically, hantavirus cases in California tend to appear in late spring and summer when rodent activity is higher. However, the appearance of three cases this early in the year has raised alarms among health officials. One possible explanation is the unusually high population of deer mice in the area, possibly driven by mild winter conditions and ample food sources, which have allowed rodent numbers to increase earlier than usual.
Dr. Boo urged the public to remain vigilant. “We’ve now gone about a month without any additional suspect cases but remain concerned about the increase in activity,” he said.
Symptoms and Early Warning Signs
According to the CDC, early symptoms of HPS include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches (especially in large muscle groups such as thighs, hips, and back)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
These initial symptoms can resemble the flu, making early diagnosis difficult. However, after a few days, the illness can progress rapidly to severe respiratory distress, as fluid builds up in the lungs. Without prompt medical intervention, this can lead to death.
Prevention and Public Health Advice
While hantavirus remains a rare disease, health authorities stress that awareness and prevention are crucial. The CDC and local health departments recommend the following steps:
- Seal up holes and gaps in your home and outbuildings to prevent rodents from entering.
- Clean up food sources and eliminate nesting sites by maintaining cleanliness indoors and around buildings.
- Use gloves and disinfectants when cleaning areas where rodent droppings are suspected. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, as this can aerosolize the virus.
- Ventilate closed areas such as cabins, sheds, or garages before entering.
- Watch for signs of rodent activity, especially in rural or wooded areas.
“Many of us encounter deer mice in our daily lives and there is some risk,” said Dr. Boo. “We should pay attention to the presence of mice and be careful around their waste.”
Raising Awareness and Moving Forward
The recent fatalities — including that of Betsy Arakawa — serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of public education and prevention efforts related to hantavirus. While the virus is not transmissible from person to person, the potential severity of HPS makes it critical for communities, especially those in high-risk regions, to stay informed.
Although Gene Hackman was confirmed by medical reports to have passed away due to other health conditions including advanced dementia and heart disease, his wife’s death highlights how dangerous hantavirus can be, even for those living outside traditionally high-risk environments.
Conclusion
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) remains one of the more dangerous but underreported health risks in the U.S., particularly in regions where deer mice are prevalent. With three recent confirmed fatalities in California and the tragic loss of a prominent public figure’s spouse, health officials are emphasizing caution, awareness, and proactive prevention.
If you live in or travel to rural areas — especially mountainous regions like Mammoth Lakes, California — it is important to understand how hantavirus spreads and take necessary precautions. Preventing rodent infestations and safely managing rodent waste can significantly reduce your risk of infection.
For up-to-date information and prevention guidelines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hantavirus Resource Center at cdc.gov/hantavirus.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Hantavirus Information
- Mono County Public Health Department – April 2025 Press Release
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Let’s all stay informed and take the right steps to protect ourselves and our communities from preventable infectious diseases.
