CDC Alerted of Hantavirus That Killed Betsy Arakawa, Considered ‘Notifiable Disease’

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

It is unlikely the canine died as a result of the same disease that killed Arakawa, New Mexico State Veterinarian Erin Phipps says.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been notified of the case of hantavirus that led to the death of 63-year-old Betsy Arakawa, after authorities announced her cause of death on March 7.

New Mexico authorities gave an update in a press conference on the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, whose bodies were found in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26.

Chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell said that Hackman likely died of natural causes around Feb. 18, and Arakawa died sometime before him after Feb. 11, which was the last time she was known to be alive before succumbing to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

According to the CDC, hantavirus is a “severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs” and is contracted when exposed to rodents’ urine, droppings, and saliva.

It does not spread from person to person, and symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and abdominal pain, can develop weeks after exposure.

New Mexico State Veterinarian, Erin Phipps, noted while officials do not see anything out of the ordinary with this specific case of the virus, it falls under what the CDC would consider a “notifiable disease.”

“This is not an unusual case. We get cases every year, unfortunately,” Phipps said. “We’re not seeing any indications of any abnormal or unusual patterns.”

When a disease is diagnosed, the CDC requires it to be reported to either state or local health officials, including in this case.

“Notifiable diseases are of public interest by reason of their contagiousness, severity, or frequency,” read its website.

Autopsy findings revealed Hackman, 95, had a history of cardiovascular disease, along with advanced Alzheimer’s, with Jarrell noting his poor health made it possible he was “not aware” his wife had died.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said Arakawa was last seen on surveillance footage shopping on Feb. 11 and did not show any signs of trauma or ailments while getting around.

On Feb. 26, the bodies of Hackman, his wife, and one of their dogs were discovered in their Santa Fe estate by a maintenance worker who contacted authorities.

During a search warrant at the time, investigators with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said they had been dead for a substantial period of time before being found.

The two were found in different rooms, with Hackman in a mudroom near his cane and Arakawa in a bathroom near a space heater with an open bottle of prescription pills scattered on a nearby countertop.

By Elma Aksalic

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Deranged Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett Lacks Decorum

Texas Democrat House Representative Jasmine Crockett went too far in recent speaking engagement and she should be forced to resign from Congress.

Corrupted Medical Societies Push SSRIs For Pregnant Women in Defiance of FDA

A recent expert panel organized by the FDA cast doubt on the safety of SSRIs — even though these drugs are largely considered safe by healthcare providers.

The “Trump Bridge” Could Lead To Russia’s Expulsion From The South Caucasus

If agreed to, and the report remains unconfirmed for now, the “Trump Bridge” could lead to Russia’s expulsion from the South Caucasus.

Sweeney Swoon

Sydney Sweeney donned American Eagle jeans and hawked them as part the "Sydney's got great jeans" campaign, and the Left acted like she'd committed an atrocity.

Lay Democrats to Waste, Post Truths in Copy and Paste!

Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) humorously stated, “Our secret plan for dealing with the Democrats is called, ‘Operation: Let them speak.’”

FDA Ends Suspension of Chikungunya Vaccine, Adjusts Label

The FDA has lifted its hold on a vaccine against chikungunya, the agency announced on Aug. 6, as it adjusted the label for the shot.

Education Department Investigates Alleged Anti-Semitic Harassment in Baltimore City Public Schools

DOE investigating civil rights complaint against Baltimore City Public Schools, where Jewish students allegedly were subjected to discrimination and harassment.

US Households Owed an Average of $152,653 at the End of Q2 2025: Report

The average household in the US had $152,653 in debt by the end of the second quarter of 2025, WalletHub said in report.

DOJ to Expunge Employees’ COVID-19 Vaccination Records: Lawyers

The government has agreed to a settlement that involves expunging records showing the COVID-19 vaccination status of employees.

Trump Names Stephen Miran to Fill Vacant Seat on Federal Reserve Board

President Trump announced appt of Stephen Miran, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, to fill vacated seat on the Fed Reserve Board of Govs.

Trump Orders US Census Overhaul to Exclude Illegal Immigrants

President Trump has instructed the Dept of Commerce to work on a “new and highly accurate” census excluding individuals who are in the US illegally.

Musk’s Mandate for Public Servants to Report on ‘5 Things’ Accomplished Dropped by US Government

The ‘5 Things’ accomplished policy, which required federal workers to report on accomplishments every week was rescinded by the DOGE agency.

Trump Raises India Tariffs to 50 Percent Over Russian Oil Imports

Trump imposed additional 25% tariff on India, lifting total rate to 50%, as India’s government directly or indirectly imports Russian Federation oil.
spot_img

Related Articles