What Is Hantavirus?

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Officials in New Mexico reported that Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Gene Hackman, passed away due to a hantavirus illness on Friday.

Worldwide, Hantavirus can be transmitted when coming into contact with infected rodents, their droppings, or urine. However, it’s important to note that this virus doesn’t pass directly from person to person.

As a cinema devotee, I’d put it this way: I’ve learned that this virus can lead to a serious and, at times, fatal lung condition known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been keeping tabs on this virus ever since an outbreak occurred in 1993 within the Four Corners region – the intersection of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Over the past few decades, from 1993 to 2022, most of the documented U.S. cases have been concentrated in the western region, particularly the southwest. Notably, New Mexico reported the highest number with 122 cases, closely followed by Colorado with 119 cases.

Symptoms may appear within one to eight weeks following contact, often starting with feelings of exhaustion, fever, and muscle pain, as reported by the CDC. As the illness advances, it might lead to a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest due to fluid buildup in the lungs. The CDC notes that approximately one-third of individuals who experience respiratory symptoms from this disease may unfortunately succumb to it.

The best way to avoid the germ is to minimize contact with rodents and their droppings.

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2025-03-08 04:06