By Gill Bikram Singh 
Authorities confirmed on Friday that actor Gene Hackman passed away from heart disease, just days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). But what is this rare and potentially fatal illness?
Understanding Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a serious viral infection that primarily affects the lungs, heart, and other organs. The disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that hantaviruses can cause two major illnesses: HPS and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Humans can contract HPS by inhaling, ingesting, or coming into contact with urine, saliva, or feces from infected rodents. While not all rodents carry the virus, species such as deer mice, white-footed mice, rice rats, and cotton rats are known carriers in North America.
Dr. Sonja Bartolome of UT Southwestern Medical Center explained to The Guardian, “Between one and eight weeks after exposure, a person may start experiencing flu-like symptoms.”
HPS is most prevalent in the United States in states west of the Mississippi River, particularly in rural areas where rodent populations are higher. From 1993 to 2022, there were 864 reported cases in the U.S., with New Mexico recording the highest number (122), followed by Colorado (119).
How HPS Affects the Body
Once the hantavirus enters the body, it spreads rapidly, severely impacting the lungs. The virus weakens blood vessels, leading to leakage and fluid buildup in the lungs’ air sacs, making it difficult to breathe.
In the heart, the virus damages the heart muscle and blood vessels, reducing the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Without prompt medical intervention, these effects can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
Stages and Symptoms
HPS develops in three stages:
- Incubation Phase: Lasts up to eight weeks, during which the virus is present but symptoms have not yet appeared.
- Initial Symptoms: This phase lasts between two and eight days and includes fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry cough, dizziness, and headaches.
- Severe Stage: Four to ten days after the initial symptoms, the most critical phase begins. Patients may experience severe breathing difficulties, fluid-filled lungs, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and internal bleeding. This stage can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific cure for HPS, but early medical intervention can improve survival chances. Treatment often includes oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, blood pressure stabilization, and antiviral medications like ribavirin. If a patient survives the late-stage symptoms, recovery can take several weeks.
Since there is no vaccine for HPS, experts recommend preventive measures to reduce the risk of exposure. The Cleveland Clinic advises:
- Avoiding contact with wild rodents.
- Sealing potential entry points in homes.
- Cleaning and disinfecting rodent-contaminated areas properly.
- Using protective gear when handling rodent droppings.
- Storing food securely to prevent rodent infestations.
It is also crucial to avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, as this can release virus particles into the air.
As awareness grows around this rare but deadly infection, health experts stress the importance of prevention and early detection to reduce fatal cases like that of Betsy Arakawa.