You’re being urged to stay alert as health officials warn of a growing threat from hantavirus, a rare but deadly virus transmitted by rodents. After the death of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, authorities are seeing new confirmed cases in different parts of the country. The virus has now surfaced in Nevada, prompting fresh concern about potential outbreaks in other regions as summer activity increases.
Two Confirmed Hantavirus Cases Raise Public Health Concerns
On June 10, both the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and the Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed two active cases of hantavirus. These new infections have intensified warnings across the state. You’re being advised to take immediate steps to avoid contact with rodents and any signs of infestation. Melissa Bullock, a state medical epidemiologist, explained the risk in a press release. “We urge people to be aware of any signs of rodent activity and to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to hantavirus,” she said.
Bullock also emphasized that if you’ve had contact with rodents or their nests and later develop flu-like symptoms, you should seek medical help right away. These symptoms might seem mild at first, but they can escalate quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid serious complications. The rise in infections has made this disease an urgent topic for both public health authorities and residents alike.
How The Virus Spreads And What You Should Watch For
Hantavirus is not spread between people. Instead, it transmits from rodents to humans through direct contact. You could be at risk if you touch rodent urine, saliva, or droppings—or even breathe in particles stirred up while cleaning infested areas. The rodents known to carry hantavirus include deer mice, rice rats, cotton rats, and white-footed mice. If these animals have entered your living or working space, the chance of exposure increases significantly.
Symptoms typically begin with fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, especially in the hips, thighs, shoulders, or back. As the illness progresses, you might experience shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and coughing. These signs can appear between one and eight weeks after exposure. Once the respiratory system is involved, the virus can cause life-threatening complications. That’s why early intervention is so important for your recovery and safety.
The Disease Can Escalate Quickly But Is Treatable
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is the most serious result of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this illness can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. You should be aware that it often begins with mild symptoms that quickly worsen. As fluid builds up in the lungs, your ability to breathe may decline rapidly. Medical treatment usually involves supportive care, which may include oxygen therapy and ventilators.
The Mayo Clinic reports that patients sometimes require intubation and advanced methods of oxygenation. Although no antiviral cure currently exists, early medical care greatly improves survival rates. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. If you begin experiencing any respiratory issues after rodent exposure, do not wait to seek medical attention. Delays in treatment can dramatically increase the risk of fatal outcomes.
Preventative Measures Can Make All The Difference
As summer arrives, you’ll probably spend more time outdoors or in storage areas that have been closed through winter. That’s where the danger often begins. Rodents tend to nest in places like barns, trailers, sheds, and garages. The Nevada Department of Wildlife warns that these spaces are especially risky if they were sealed up for months and not cleaned properly. Opening these areas without proper safety gear could expose you to contaminated particles.
To reduce your risk, health officials recommend sealing up gaps and holes in your home to keep rodents out. Place traps to reduce rodent populations and keep food in rodent-proof containers. Always dispose of garbage securely and clean any evidence of rodent activity thoroughly. You should wear gloves and a snug-fitting N95 mask when cleaning spaces with potential rodent droppings. These precautions can significantly lower the chance of contracting the virus.
Gene Hackman’s Wife Died From Hantavirus Earlier This Year
The hantavirus has also affected public figures. In March, health officials confirmed that Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Investigators from the New Mexico Health Department found evidence of rodent activity in the outer buildings on the couple’s property. The findings aligned with known hantavirus risk patterns. Rodent nests in unoccupied structures are a common source of exposure.
Her death brought nationwide attention to a virus that many people had never heard of. Now, with new cases emerging, you’re being reminded that hantavirus is not a distant or rare disease. It can show up in quiet places—garages, storage sheds, or cabins—and turn routine cleaning into a life-threatening event. Arakawa’s passing serves as a tragic and powerful reminder of just how quickly the disease can escalate.
What are you doing to protect yourself from rodent-related illnesses this summer? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
Via: People
