Hantavirus Outbreak Claims Three Lives in California Following Death of Gene Hackman’s Wife

Public health officials confirm three hantavirus-related deaths in Mammoth Lakes, California, as awareness grows about the rare and deadly virus.

Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman’s wife, died in February 2025 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare disease caused by contact with rodent excretions.
Three additional hantavirus-related deaths have been reported in Mammoth Lakes, California, as of early April 2025, prompting public health warnings.
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and has a high fatality rate of approximately 38-50%.
Mono County health officials describe the outbreak as alarming, noting that the victims in Mammoth Lakes were likely exposed during routine daily activities.
Public health authorities are urging vigilance and preventive measures in rodent-prone areas to reduce the risk of further hantavirus infections.