Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus infection. Hantavirus is spread by contact with rodents or their urine or feces. It can cause a severe and sometimes deadly lung infection called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Key Points
Hantavirus is spread by contact with rodents or their urine or feces
Symptoms of hantavirus infection can be similar to the flu
Best way to avoid hantavirus is to minimize contact with rodents and their droppings
Pros
Raising awareness about hantavirus and its symptoms
Providing information on how to prevent hantavirus infection
Cons
Death of Betsy Arakawa
High fatality rate for those who develop respiratory symptoms