Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted by infected rodents, officials confirm.Health experts warn that hantavirus can cause flu-like symptoms after exposure to rodent droppings,

Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus infection, officials in New Mexico announced Friday. Hantavirus, found throughout the world, is spread by contact with rodents or their urine or feces. It does not spread between people. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can increase the chance of survival.

Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, tragically died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and fatal rodent-borne infection. She passed away just days before Hackman, who died from heart disease.