Gene Hackman’s New Mexico property was found to have extensive evidence of rats during a hantavirus risk assessment test after the star’s wife was killed by the rodent-linked disease in late February. The assessment conducted after their deaths revealed rodent feces, a live rodent, a dead rodent, and an entire nest in various buildings on the property.
Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease humans can catch from contact with rodents. Hackman passed away a few days later from complications with cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. The New Mexico Department of Health conducted a risk assessment to ensure the safety of first responders and family members who had accessed the property.
While the risk of exposure in the primary residence was low, the outbuildings on the property showed signs of rodent activity. All other buildings and vehicles on the property were found to be accessible to rodents. Hantavirus has a 41% fatality rate for patients in New Mexico, which has the most reported cases of hantavirus in the country.
Symptoms of hantavirus can take up to two months to manifest and there is no specific treatment for the virus. Health officials advise anyone cleaning rodent habitats to avoid contact and wear protection. The full extent of the rat infestation on Gene Hackman’s property highlights the dangers of hantavirus and the importance of taking precautions when dealing with rodents.
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