The recent passing of Betsy Arakawa Hackman, wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, has brought a rare but deadly disease into the public eye: hantavirus. According to New Mexico authorities, Betsy succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe illness transmitted by rodents, likely days before her husband’s death from unrelated causes in February 2025. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers rodents can pose in our homes—and why professional pest control is more critical than ever.
At On Demand Pest Control, we’re committed to keeping your home safe from pests and the diseases they carry. Let’s dive into what hantavirus is, how it spreads, and why preventing rodent infestations with a licensed professional is the smartest move you can make.
What Is Hantavirus and How Does It Spread?
Hantavirus is a family of viruses primarily carried by rodents, with the deer mouse being the most common culprit in the United States. The virus spreads to humans through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva—often when these materials are disturbed and tiny particles become airborne. In Betsy Arakawa Hackman’s case, experts suspect exposure occurred in or around their Santa Fe home, a rural area where rodents like deer mice are prevalent.
Early symptoms of hantavirus mimic the flu: fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress. However, HPS can quickly escalate, causing fluid buildup in the lungs and leading to life-threatening respiratory failure. While hantavirus infections are rare—only about 864 cases have been reported in the U.S. since 1993—the mortality rate is alarmingly high, ranging from 38% to 50% in some strains.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone Health, noted in a Fox News report that hantavirus can spread through dust contaminated by rodent waste, especially in poorly ventilated spaces like attics, basements, or sheds. This makes rural homes, cabins, and even suburban properties with rodent activity prime risk zones.
A Tragic Case That Hits Close to Home
The deaths of Betsy Arakawa Hackman and Gene Hackman, found in their Santa Fe residence on February 26, 2025, underscore the real-world stakes of rodent-borne diseases. Betsy likely contracted hantavirus days before her passing, while Gene, battling advanced Alzheimer’s and heart disease, died about a week later. Authorities found signs of rodent activity on their property, highlighting how even a well-maintained home can fall victim to these silent invaders.
This isn’t just a celebrity story—it’s a wake-up call. Rodents don’t discriminate, and hantavirus doesn’t care who you are. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet countryside, the risk of rodent infestations is real, and the consequences can be devastating.
Why Rodent Prevention Is Non-Negotiable
Rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a health hazard. Beyond hantavirus, they carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and plague. They also chew through wires, insulation, and drywall, causing costly damage. The good news? You can stop them in their tracks with proactive measures:
- Seal Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime. Check your home for cracks in foundations, gaps around doors, or holes near utility lines.
- Clean Carefully: If you spot rodent droppings, don’t sweep or vacuum them—doing so can aerosolize hantavirus particles. Instead, wear gloves, use a disinfectant, and ventilate the area first.
- Store Food Securely: Keep pantry items in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Eliminate Clutter: Piles of boxes or debris give rodents places to hide and nest.
But here’s the catch: DIY rodent control often falls short. Traps and store-bought repellents might catch a few stragglers, but they won’t address the root of the problem—an established infestation or unnoticed entry points. That’s where professionals like On Demand Pest Control come in.
Trust On Demand Pest Control to Keep Your Home Rodent-Free
At On Demand Pest Control, we don’t just treat symptoms—we solve the problem. Our licensed technicians use advanced techniques to identify rodent hotspots, seal entry points, and eliminate infestations safely and effectively. We understand the stakes: a single overlooked mouse could expose your family to hantavirus or other dangers.
Don’t wait for a warning sign—or worse, a tragedy—to take action. If you’ve noticed droppings, gnaw marks, or strange noises in your walls, it’s time to call in the experts.
Contact On Demand Pest Control Today
Let us protect your home from rodents and the diseases they carry. Schedule your inspection now and sleep easy knowing your family is safe.
The Bottom Line
The loss of Betsy Arakawa Hackman to hantavirus is a somber reminder of the risks rodents pose. While rare, this disease is preventable with the right precautions and professional help. At On Demand Pest Control, we’re here to ensure your home stays a safe haven, not a breeding ground for pests.
Take control of your pest problem today. Click here to reach out to our team for fast, reliable rodent control services. Because when it comes to your health and safety, there’s no room for compromise.
