Rare and dangerous: A deadly, incurable virus causes the death of a famous star’s wife!
A New Mexico medical examiner has declared Betsy Arakawa, 65, the wife ofActorFamous actress Gene Hackman died of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a diseaserareAnd dangerous to the lungs.
Hackman, 95, was found dead at his home about a week after his wife died. He is believed to have died of heart disease on February 18.
What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
This syndrome is a serious and potentially fatal illness. Symptoms begin with a fever and flu-like aches and pains, but quickly progress to severe breathing difficulty. The mortality rate reaches 40% of those infected.
How is it transmitted?The virusHantaviruses
are transmitted through the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. Humans can become infected by inhaling contaminated particles or touching contaminated surfaces. The infection can also be transmitted through rodent scratches or bites.
The deer mouse is the primary carrier of the virus in North America, while other rodent vectors are found in various regions of the Americas. AlthoughThe virusWhile not transmissible between humans, the Andes virus strain in South America has reported cases of human-to-human transmission.
Initial symptoms include fever, dry cough, headache, body aches, and stomach pain, and may persist for weeks. In advanced cases, the disease leads to internal bleeding, lung failure, and cardiac arrest, which can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, but prompt medical care may improve survival. In severe cases, patients require mechanical ventilation and may require dialysis if kidney function is affected.
How can it be prevented?The virus Health authorities recommend keeping rodents away from homes and workplaces, tightly sealing food supplies, and safely cleaning contaminated areas to reduce the risk of infection. (Russia Today )
