New York: Hollywood legend and double-Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, in USA’s New Mexico, on February 26.
No foul play was suspected in the couple’s deaths, but there was an element of mystery. Nine days after their bodies were found, forensic experts concluded that the actor died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease — a week after a rare, rodent-borne ailment led to the passing away of his wife, reported AP.
The partially mummified remains of Hackman (95) and 65-year-old Arakawa were discovered when maintenance and security workers went to their home and alerted police.
Arakawa possibly died on February 11, Hackman on February 18 and their bodies were found on February 26.
It has brought to focus the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
HPS is a rare but serious and potentially fatal respiratory ailment caused by infection with hantavirus, which is mainly spread through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
Inhaling the virus can also happen through the rodent droppings.
Commonly linked to deer mice in North America, different hantaviruses can be carried through other rodents across the world, as well.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is of the opinion that hantaviruses can be a health threat worldwide.
Two main syndromes which can be caused by hantaviruses are — aHantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), reported India Today.
In the Western Hemisphere, including the US, hantavirus can lead to HPS. The most common hantavirus causing HPS in the US is transmitted by deer mice.
HFRS includes a group of clinically similar illnesses caused by hantaviruses which are mainly found in Europe and Asia.
Symptoms of HPS
HPS symptoms include fever and chills, muscle aches (especially in thighs, hips, back, and shoulders), fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain in the early stage. A few days later, shortness of breath may be felt due to fluid buildup in the lungs, coughing, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and respiratory failure.
HPS treatment
Unfortunately, there is no antiviral treatment for HPS yet. Early detection is the key, and hospitalisation with oxygen therapy and supportive care will help improve chances of survival.
Mortality rate of HPS is quite high — around 30-40%, according to the World Health Organisation.
Generally, spread of the virus can be prevented by avoiding rodent-infested areas, seal holes in homes to prevent rodent entry, use gloves and disinfectants when cleaning rodent droppings, and ventilate closed spaces before entering.
