Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare but deadly disease caused by exposure to rodent-contaminated dust. Her passing is a stark reminder that hantavirus isn’t just a distant threat; it can be lurking in places you wouldn’t expect, like storage areas, attics, or even that old box of holiday decorations. Taking simple precautions can make all the difference.
How Do You Get Hantavirus?
The virus spreads through rodent urine, droppings, and saliva—usually when people unknowingly breathe in contaminated dust. Think of all those storage areas you haven’t touched in years, like old garages, attics, sheds, or even that random box of holiday decorations you keep meaning to clean out. If rodents have been there, you could be at risk.
What Are the Symptoms?
At first, it might just feel like the flu—fever, muscle aches, chills. But it can quickly turn serious, leading to severe breathing issues that require immediate medical attention. Sadly, there’s no specific cure once it progresses.
So, How Do You Stay Safe?
Since there’s no treatment, prevention is everything.
1️⃣ Be Smart About Cleaning
Before opening up old boxes or cleaning dusty spaces, ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes. Let fresh air do some of the work for you.
DO NOT sweep or vacuum dry droppings—it stirs up virus particles. Instead, spray the area with disinfectant (bleach solution works great), let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Wear gloves and a mask—because let’s be real, no one wants to breathe in mystery dust anyway.
2️⃣ Keep Rodents Out
Seal up any holes or gaps where rodents can squeeze in (they’re sneakier than you think!).
Store food (including pet food) in sealed containers.
Keep storage areas dry and clutter-free—less mess, fewer hiding spots.
3️⃣ Be Extra Careful in Nature
Hantavirus is rare, but when it happens, it can be devastating. The best thing you can do is stay aware, take simple precautions, and not underestimate the risks—especially if you’re cleaning out long-stored items or spending time in rural areas.
Betsy Arakawa’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious this virus can be. Take care, stay safe, and don’t let a simple cleaning task turn into something life-threatening.