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Journalism of Courage
SAYS WHO?
New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner, Dr Heather Jarrell. New Mexico officials on Friday (March 7) released the autopsy results of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his pianist wife, Betsy Arakawa.
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?
Hackman, Arakawa and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe apartment on February 26. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that all three had been dead for days, with their deaths ruled “suspicious enough in nature” to warrant a thorough investigation, according to a New Mexico search warrant.
On Friday, officials concluded that Arakawa likely died first, around February 11, the last time she was known to be alive. The autopsy concluded that she had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), with no other diseases or trauma being detected.
Hackman likely succumbed to heart disease about a week later, based on his pacemaker’s last record of activity. Given how advanced his Alzheimer’s disease was, he may not have known that his wife had passed.
A family of rodent-borne viruses that can cause serious illness and death in humans. Infected rodents spread the viruses through their urine, faeces, and saliva, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, these viruses do not spread between people.
ARE ALL HANTAVIRUS DISEASES ALIKE?
No. There are different types of hantavirus depending on the region, and each hantavirus is specific to a different rodent host.
HPS is endemic to the Western Hemisphere. The most common HPS-causing hantavirus is carried by the deer mouse, according to the CDC.
Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is another group of illnesses caused by hantaviruses found primarily in Europe and Asia.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HPS?
Flu-like symptoms present within one to eight weeks of exposure. The patient may experience fatigue, fever, and muscle aches early on. As the disease advances, they may experience respiratory difficulties such as shortness of breath and a tightness in the chest as the lungs fill with fluid.
The CDC estimates that 38 per cent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.
IS THERE A CURE?
There is no known cure or treatment for HPS. Early detection and treatment are crucial. However, some antivirals may help manage the symptoms. Some patients experiencing breathing difficulties may need respiratory support like breathing tubes.
Speaking to The New York Times, microbiologist Sabra L Klein advises people living in areas known to house hantavirus-infected rodents to clean any excrement with a wet paper towel, gloves and a tight-fitting N95 mask. One should avoid using a vacuum or a broom as the aerosols from the droppings may be stirred up. She also advises the use of bleach solution or commercial disinfectant to sanitise the area, and wiping it down with paper towels that are carefully disposed of.
