Ms. Arakawa, the wife of the actor Gene Hackman, died from the effects of a disease often caused by contact with droppings from infected rodents.

Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-spread disease with a mortality rate up to 50% in the American Southwest, officials said.

Gene Hackman's dog Zinna was found dead in a crate at Santa Fe home, following the death of the Hollywood actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa

Betsy Arakawa — the classical pianist married to Gene Hackman — died last month of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease linked to rodents, New Mexico authorities announced Friday.

The partially mummified bodies of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered in February at their home in New Mexico.

Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist and the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died of hantavirus, according to authorities.

Betsy Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome at the age of 65, New Mexico health authorities said. Here’s what to know about the rare but deadly disease.

Hantavirus comes from contact with rodents — such as rats and mice — especially after exposure to their urine, droppings, and saliva.

The suspected way Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, caught the rare disease that led to her death has been revealed.

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