A deadly virus claiming the lives of three California residents has raised alarms after being linked to the death of legendary actor Gene Hackman’s wife earlier this year.
Quick Takes
- Three people in Mammoth Lakes, California have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the same rare and deadly virus that killed Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa in February.
- Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, with a mortality rate of approximately one-third.
- Health officials are concerned by the unusual timing of the cases, which typically occur in late spring or summer, not early in the year.
- The source of infection remains unclear in some cases, adding to mystery and concern surrounding the virus’s spread.
Deadly Virus Strikes California Community
Three residents of Mammoth Lakes, California have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the same rare virus that claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, earlier this year. Mono County Public Health officials confirmed the deaths, describing the situation as “tragic” and “alarming.” The virus, which is transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, is relatively uncommon but carries a high mortality rate, with only 20 to 50 cases reported annually nationwide.
Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County Public Health Officer, expressed significant concern about the timing and clustering of these cases. “The occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year,” Dr. Boo stated. Health officials noted that Mono County has recorded 27 hantavirus cases since 1993, the highest number in California, but these cases typically emerge during late spring or summer months, making the current outbreak particularly unusual.
🇺🇸 RARE VIRUS KILLS 3 IN CALI TOWN—INCLUDING GENE HACKMAN'S WIFE
A third person has died from hantavirus in Mammoth Lakes, California—bringing the death toll to three since February.
The virus, usually spread through mouse droppings and urine, killed Gene Hackman’s wife earlier… https://t.co/DJq2lPipw7 pic.twitter.com/nDkmZMNIxn
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 5, 2025
The Hackman Tragedy
The connection to Hollywood royalty brought national attention to this rare disease after Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home in February 2024. Medical examiners determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Hackman, who was 94, died approximately a week later from heart disease exacerbated by Alzheimer’s. The couple’s deaths shocked the Santa Fe community, where they lived relatively private lives despite Hackman’s legendary status in Hollywood.
“She was devoted to those dogs,” said Robert Gruda, recalling Arakawa’s regular visits to his veterinary hospital.
Investigators found Arakawa’s body on the bathroom floor of their home, while Hackman was discovered in a mudroom. Reports indicate that Hackman, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, did not seek help or make any phone calls during the week he survived after his wife’s death. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances, including examining cellphones and conducting a necropsy on one of the couple’s dogs to better understand the timeline and possible source of infection.
Mysterious Transmission Patterns
What concerns health officials about the recent California cases is the unclear transmission pattern. While one case was likely due to vacuuming rodent waste during a known infestation, there was no evidence of mouse infection in the latest case. Dr. Boo acknowledged this mystery, stating, “We don’t have a clear sense of where this young adult may have contracted the virus.” This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging public health situation.
“The occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried,” said Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County Public Health Officer.
Hantavirus causes symptoms including fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and coughing. The disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Mono County Public Health described the timing of these early-year cases as “strikingly unusual,” adding to concerns about potential changes in the virus’s behavior or environmental factors. President Trump’s administration has been monitoring the situation, though no federal emergency measures have been announced at this time.
Sources:
- Ultra-rare virus linked to Gene Hackman’s death kills 3 more as health officials issue dire warning – The Mirror
- A mask, a cane and a frantic dog: Inside the final hours of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
- 3 dead from same rare virus that killed Gene Hackman’s wife — sparking alarm among health officials
