On March 5, a homesite environmental assessment occurred at Gene Hackman’s home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The findings were the first positive indications of rodent infestation. The New Mexico Department of Public Health found live and dead rodents upon inspection of the property. They found droppings and nests scattered in places across the facility.
The assessment found rat droppings and an active rat colony around Hackman’s property, which includes eight outbuildings. These outbuildings showed clear signs of infestation. The big house in question turned out to be “clean” too, showing no signs of rodent activity whatsoever. In this case, officials stated that the risk level was low in the primary home.
That new assessment comes on the heels of a tragic crash with pedestrian Betsy Arakawa. She tragically died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome earlier this year at the age of 65. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a potentially deadly respiratory disease that may occur after contact with rodent feces, urine or saliva. Symptoms early on often present as flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, and muscle aches.
There is indeed a risk to consider, as Dr. Heather Jarrell explained in regards to hantavirus,
“It’s not uncommon to find someone down on the floor as part of a terminal collapse, so to speak, and that may very well have been what happened.” – Dr. Heather Jarrell
Hackman’s property has raised red flags for local health officials. This is doubly concerning given the recent death attributed to the virus. Local authorities are encouraging residents to remain proactive with pest prevention methods—including rodents. If you see any signs of an infestation in your home, get pest control assistance immediately!