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A 26-year-old hotel worker in California tragically lost his life from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the same rare disease that claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman. The young man's passing on March 6 occurred shortly after Arakawa's death which preceded her husband's passing by just a week. Medical investigators confirmed Arakawa's cause of death as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

The sudden deaths highlight the rare but deadly disease which has claimed the lives of two individuals with connections to the Hollywood community. Let's understand what this hantavirus means, its causes, symptoms and treatment.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare and potentially fatal viral disease. Also known as Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), it can cause significant damage to vital organs including the heart, lungs and others. HPS is a serious and rapidly progressing condition, emphasising the importance of prompt medical attention if suspected.

Causes

According to Webmd, this disease is primarily spread through rodents with the deer mouse being the main carrier in North America. Other carriers include the white-tailed mouse, cotton rat and rice rat. Humans typically contract the virus by inhaling air contaminated with infected rodent waste or fluids. Those at highest risk include individuals frequently in rodent-inhabited areas with cases peaking in spring and summer, predominantly in the western United States.

hantavirus

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (Image Credits: Canva)

Symptoms

  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Cough with secretions
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Fluid in the lungs

Treatment

According to Webmd, there is no treatment for hantavirus. Instead, HPS patients receive supportive care in intensive care units, focusing on oxygen therapy to aid breathing and clear lung fluid. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial and in severe cases, patients may require a breathing tube or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a procedure that oxygenates blood outside the body.

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