When news broke that Betsy Arakawa, the wife of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman, had died from hantavirus earlier this year, it sent shockwaves across the country.

But now, that tragic headline has grown into a broader public health concern: health officials in Nevada have confirmed two new cases of the rare rodent-borne virus, signaling that it may be spreading.

As summer arrives and many of us head into sheds, cabins, and garages, now is the time to understand what hantavirus is—and how to stay safe.


What is hantavirus, and why should it concern you?

This isn’t your average seasonal virus.

Hantavirus is carried by certain types of rodents, most commonly deer mice, but also cotton rats, rice rats, and the white-footed mouse.

People can become infected by inhaling tiny particles released when infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva are disturbed.

In other words, you don’t need to see a mouse to be at risk—just sweeping a dusty shed or opening an old storage room can do it.


In the US, the most severe illness caused by hantavirus is known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

According to the CDC, it starts with flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches—especially in large muscles like the thighs, hips, and back.

Within days, symptoms can escalate to shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness as the lungs begin to fill with fluid.

Without quick treatment, HPS can be fatal.

A disease on the move

Hantavirus has always been rare, but the recent cases in Nevada serve as an important reminder.

“Anyone who has been in contact with rodents, nests, or droppings and subsequently develops symptoms consistent with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome should see a health care provider immediately,” said Dr. Melissa Bullock, Nevada’s state medical epidemiologist.

These new cases aren’t isolated. Hantavirus has been reported across the western and southwestern United States, and changing weather patterns are affecting where rodent populations—and the virus—are found.

Warm weather means more outdoor activity, which in turn brings more opportunities to come into contact with contaminated environments.


Also read: Gene Hackman’s tragedy reveals the silent killer in your home–What you need to know about this virus right now.

How does hantavirus spread?

Understanding how the virus spreads is key to prevention:

• Inhalation: The most common way people get infected is by breathing in airborne particles after disturbing rodent droppings or nests.
• Direct contact: Touching contaminated rodent urine, feces, or nesting materials, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Bites: Rare, but possible if an infected rodent bites you.

It’s important to note that hantavirus does not spread from person to person in the United States.

Who’s at risk?

Anyone can contract hantavirus, but some people are at higher risk, especially those who:

• Clean out sheds, garages, barns, or cabins that haven’t been used in a while
• Work in construction, utility services, or pest control
• Spend time camping, hiking, or doing outdoor recreation in rural areas
• Live in or visit regions where deer mice are common

Older adults with preexisting health conditions may face more severe illness if infected.

And since many in The GrayVine community enjoy gardening, home maintenance, or retreating to family cabins during summer, awareness is especially important.


Also read: Vacation hotspots on high alert as deadly virus claims more victims

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of hantavirus infection usually appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. Early signs often resemble a bad flu:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches in large muscle groups (thighs, hips, back, shoulders)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

As the virus progresses, more serious symptoms develop quickly:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness or pain in the chest
• Rapid heartbeat

If you think you may have been exposed to rodents and begin experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Early intervention is critical.



Also read: Health alert: Virus tied to birth defects and paralysis resurfaces in top travel spot

How is hantavirus treated?

There is no specific medication or vaccine for hantavirus, but early and aggressive medical support improves the chances of recovery.

Most patients require hospitalization. Treatment can include:

• Oxygen therapy
• Intubation
• Mechanical ventilation to support breathing and prevent lung failure

The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.

How to protect yourself

Thankfully, hantavirus is preventable. Here are practical ways to lower your risk:

1. Seal up your home

• Look for holes or gaps around doors, pipes, vents, and foundations where rodents might enter. Seal with steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing.
• Check garages, basements, and sheds—anywhere a mouse might slip in.

2. Eliminate food sources that attract rodents

• Store food and pet food in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
• Clean up crumbs, spills, and leftovers.
• Keep garbage bins closed and secure.

Also read: More victims struck by this virus–what you need to know about the devastating "sloth fever"

3. Trap and remove rodents

• Use snap traps in places where you’ve seen rodent activity.
• Avoid glue traps or live traps, which may expose you to droppings or bites.

4. Clean safely

• Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings—this can release virus particles into the air.
• Wear rubber gloves and an N95 mask.
• Spray a disinfectant or bleach solution on droppings, nests, or urine. Let it soak for at least five minutes before wiping with paper towels.
• Double-bag everything and dispose of it with your trash.

5. Take precautions in cabins and storage buildings

• Air out spaces for 30 minutes before entering or cleaning.
• Use protective gear and follow the safe cleaning steps above.
• If you’re staying in a cabin, inspect for droppings or signs of rodent activity.

Also read: Deadly mutation risk: The surprising way bird flu transforms inside you

A personal loss, a public warning

Investigators say rodents had likely entered outbuildings on the Hackman property—an unsettling but familiar risk for anyone with storage sheds or aging cabins.

Betsy Arakawa’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious this virus can be.

As we head into summer projects and outdoor adventures, let’s keep safety in mind.

A few simple precautions could save lives.

Read next: New twist: China just made a surprising claim about where COVID-19 really came from!


Have you ever had a rodent scare in your garage or vacation cabin? Do you have your own tips for keeping critters out—or stories that made you rethink how you clean up? Maybe you’ve been through something similar and want to share how you handled it. We’d love to hear from you!

Drop a comment below and help others in The GrayVine community stay informed and prepared. A little knowledge—and some shared wisdom—go a long way.