Rat nests and dead rodents found on Gene Hackman’s property after wife died from hantavirus | US News

Rat nests and dead rodents were discovered on Gene Hackman’s property, after the wife of actor Betsy Arakawa died of Hantavirus – who could be caught from such animals.

The partially mummified remains of Hackman (95) and Arakawa (65) were found in separate rooms of their Sante Fe house on February 26, along with one of their dogs.

In the midst of the ongoing investigation, the authorities released a report setting out some of Arakawa’s last emails and internet searches, revealing that she was investigating information on flu-like symptoms before dying.

A separate report by the local Department of Health included an environmental assessment that found evidence of the presence of rats in many of the buildings on the Late actor’s estate.

Arakawa died after developing Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) at about February 11, a pathologist said.

According to investigators, it is a disease that can be trapped from exposure to rodents and flu -like symptoms, headaches, dizziness and serious breathing need.

The presence of rodents was found in various outbuildings across the property and a lively rodent, a dead rodent and nests were found in three other garages.

It is also said that live traps were found on the property.

So far, there has been no confirmation of any potential connection between the rodents and the Hantavirus disease that claimed Arakawa’s life.

Last Internet Searches and E -mails

Arakawa had open bookmarks on her computer showing that she actively examined medical conditions related to Covid and flu -like symptoms.

She also mentioned in an email to her masseuse that Hackman woke up on February 11 with flu-like symptoms, so that she would rescue her appointment for the next day “out of a plethora of caution”.

Authorities are expected to disclose more information soon, including footage of the police body camera.

The material was released as a result of a recent court order after the Hackman Estate and the family tried to keep the records sealed, referring to the family’s right to privacy.

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Couple found dead

The two-time Oscar winner was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s when he died of heart disease.

It was likely that he was alone with his wife’s body for about a week after she died first.

Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for New Mexico, told reporters that Arakawa died around 11 February.

What is HPS?

HPS, commonly known as Hantavirus disease, is a respiratory disease caused by hantaviruses – carried by different types of rodents.

It is a rare condition in the US, with most cases concentrated in the western states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

The New Mexico Department of Health said Hantaviruses are spread by the saliva, drops and urine of infected rodents, which in North America are probably the eastern deer (peromyscus maniculatus).

The virus is often transmitted through the air when people protrude sheds or clean cabinets where mice live, or by eating food infected with mouse drops.

Dr Jarrell said it was not transferred from person to person.

The probability of death is between 38-50% and there is no cure, treatment or vaccine, but patients have a better chance of survival with an early diagnosis.