High-Profile Hantavirus Death Underscores Importance of Rodent Control

CLEVELAND – In March, the Santa Fe, N.M., medical examiner announced that Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne respiratory disease. Arakawa’s death underscores the important role that pest management professionals (PMPs) play when it comes to protecting public health. 

Kathy Heinsohn

Dr. Kathy Heinsohn, technical and training entomologist at American Pest, Fulton, Md., reminded that PMPs in the desert Southwest should be particularly aware of hantavirus, which is primarily linked to the deer mouse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began monitoring hantavirus closely following a deadly outbreak in the Four Corners area (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah) in 1993. During that outbreak, 10 people died in just eight weeks, which spurred heightened awareness and response.

“This region serves as the natural habitat of the deer mouse, which carries the virus,” Heinsohn said. “People engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and camping are more likely to encounter the deer mouse and its droppings or urine, increasing the chances of exposure.”

As a refresher, Heinsohn highlighted several key differences between deer mice and the more commonly encountered house mouse. “Deer mice have a distinctive tan or brown back with a white underbelly, almost like the bi-coloring seen in pet hamsters,” she said. “Their tails are also bicolored, brown on top and white underneath. In contrast, house mice are uniformly gray, and their tails are all the same color.”  In terms of size, deer mice produce smaller, pointed droppings — about the size of a grain of rice. They are more likely to be found outdoors, Heinsohn said, but may enter homes during colder months. Both types of mice are nocturnal and have large eyes, although the deer mouse’s eyes are slightly larger.

While this recent high-profile case is specific to the desert Southwest, it serves as a reminder that PMPs — regardless of geographic location — should remain vigilant and up to date with training on how to mitigate risks by posed rodents. “Rodents and their droppings are known to carry several harmful pathogens, including hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans and pets,” Heinsohn said.

PMPs working with rodents must take special precautions to avoid exposure to potentially harmful pathogens like hantavirus. Heinsohn recommends using proper personal protective equipment (PPE). “At the very least, PMPs should wear N95 masks or respirators, along with protective eyewear, such as goggles,” she said. “Because rodent droppings can become aerosolized in dry environments, these precautions are essential to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful particles.”

For areas where hantavirus is a concern, additional steps are necessary, and Heinsohn suggests spraying rodent droppings and nests with a mild bleach or ammonia solution before cleaning to reduce the potential for aerosolization. “This simple step can significantly lower the chances of exposure,” said Heinsohn, who added that when cleaning up, it’s best not to sweep or vacuum (because of aerosolization concerns) after wetting down surfaces.

Should PMPs received any homeowner questions about hantavirus, Heinsohn recommends they be directed to credible, expert sources for accurate information, including the CDC website. “And PMPs should emphasize the importance of acting quickly to mitigate risks and prevent future rodent problems,” she said. “Recommending professional pest management services is often the best way to ensure a safe and thorough approach to pest control.”