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Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on Tuesday, Feb. 11, a full week before the 95-year-old Hackman died from cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner revealed at a press conference Friday, March 7.
The couple of more than 35 years–along with one of their three dogs–was found dead inside their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, as Daily Voice reported.
Hantavirus is a disease spread by contact with infected rodents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is most commonly transmitted when people breathe in contaminated dust particles from rodent urine, feces, or saliva. Less commonly, it can be spread through bites or direct contact.
The strain most often linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), the syndrome that killed Arakawa, is carried by the deer mouse, found throughout North America, including New Mexico. Thirty-eight percent of those who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease, health officials said.
Symptoms of HPS include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Abdominal problems, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
The CDC urges people, especially those in rural or wooded areas, to take precautions against rodent exposure by:
- Sealing holes and gaps in homes and garages
- Using traps to reduce rodent populations
- Removing food sources that could attract rodents
A legendary actor, Hackman was known for his roles in “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “Unforgiven,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Superman,” “The Poseidon Adventure,” and “Mississippi Burning.”
Arakawa was a classical pianist. The couple began dating in the 1980s and had been married since 1991, enjoying a quiet life away from Hollywood in New Mexico.
Learn more about hantavirus on the CDC website.
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