Hantavirus Outbreak in California Claims Three Lives, Raising Public Health Concerns

Three deaths in Mammoth Lakes follow the February death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of Gene Hackman, as officials investigate the rare virus's early emergence and sources of exposure.

Public health officials in Mammoth Lakes, California, have confirmed three deaths from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) within a short time span, describing the situation as 'tragic' and 'alarming.'
The virus, which killed Betsy Arakawa in February, is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent waste, with deer mice being the main carriers.
One case in Mammoth Lakes was linked to vacuuming rodent waste, but the sources of exposure for the other two victims remain unclear, deepening the mystery.
The outbreak is unusual for its timing, as hantavirus cases are typically reported later in the spring or summer, prompting increased vigilance among health officials.
No new cases have been reported in the past month, but officials remain concerned about elevated deer mouse populations in the Eastern Sierra region potentially increasing the risk of exposure.