Overview
- In May 2026, outlets revisited the February 2025 case after reports of a hantavirus cluster on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
- Betsy Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome at the couple’s Santa Fe home, with investigators documenting rodent droppings, nests, and traps on the property.
- The medical examiner said exposure to infected rodent urine, feces, or saliva likely occurred one to eight weeks before illness, and the exact moment of contact was not found.
- Gene Hackman tested negative for hantavirus and died about a week later of severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with autopsy notes of advanced Alzheimer’s changes.
- Police found no sign of forced entry or foul play at the home, and scene reports noted one dog dead in a closet and another near Arakawa’s body.