26-Year-Old US Man Dies Of Hantavirus, A Rare Rat Virus That Killed Gene Hackman's Wife

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is caused by hantaviruses carried primarily by rodents such as mice and rats. Humans typically contract the virus through inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent urine, feces, or saliva. Less commonly, transmission can occur through rodent bites or contact with contaminated food. HPS begins with nonspecific symptoms like fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain, which can quickly progress to severe respiratory distress and heart complications. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 8 weeks, and once respiratory symptoms develop, the disease can have a mortality rate of around 38-40%.

Diagnosis of hantavirus infection is challenging due to its rarity and initial flu-like symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis. In Becerra’s case, he was discharged from the hospital the night before his death after hantavirus was ruled out, underscoring difficulties in early detection. There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus; management focuses on supportive care and early medical intervention to improve survival chances. Preventive measures primarily involve controlling rodent populations and avoiding exposure to rodent excreta, especially in rural or wilderness areas where the virus is more common.

The deaths of Becerra and Arakawa have brought renewed attention to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly zoonotic disease. Although human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and mainly limited to certain South American hantaviruses, public health officials emphasize vigilance in rodent control and awareness of symptoms to prevent further fatalities. The virus remains a significant health threat in areas with high rodent populations, particularly for individuals with occupational or environmental exposure to rodents.