Virus that killed Gene Hackman's wife kills 3 in California

@WhatInThe Hanta virus killed Hackman's wife but it did not kill Gene Hackman. Your thread title is incorrect though the news story link in your OP is correct.

You can correct the title by clicking edit post. Otherwise lots of posts in the thread are going to be about the title error rather than discussing Hanta virus.
 
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Don M. said:
Their house looks like it could have been a breeding ground for all sorts of viruses, etc. It looks like they were "hoarders"

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s cluttered, rodent ‘breeding ground’ home seen in new police photos.
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Wow. Wouldn't releasing photos of inside their home be akin to invasion of privacy? At the very least, it's disgusting (photo release). Nothing is private anymore. I don't see how the public was helped by that at all. Instead, it gives people another chance to trash talk someone.
 
Who_so_ever said:
Wow. Wouldn't releasing photos of inside their home be akin to invasion of privacy? At the very least, it's disgusting (photo release). Nothing is private anymore. I don't see how the public was helped by that at all. Instead, it gives people another chance to trash talk someone.
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I diagree, I think people need to see that if you live in filth you're possibly going to die from the effects of it...
 
Michael Z said:
Which is another reason why we have outdoor cats that kill mice! Prior to having cats, our garage and sheds were covered in mice droppings. Not to mention damage to cars and other things. We live in the country and our cats stay on our property. And are fixed and vaccinated.

This virus spread by mice has killed many before this.
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Ever since the Hantavirus outbreak on the Navajo Reservation I've been following CDC's recommendations for rodent dropping cleanup, which is: spray area where rodent dropping are with a solution of bleach and water, and let dry, before sweeping the area.
 
Who_so_ever said:
Oh yeah??! Well I disagree with you MORE!!!! :ROFLMAO:
I think people are capable of being told what is bad and understanding without visuals at the expense of a family's dignity.
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Some of the 'mess' may have been from police looking for things like medication to compare to blood tests. But yes that's a lot of stuff. I'd have to see dust, dirt, crumbs etc to see how dirty it was. It was obvious she didn't have the strength in her final days to tidy up they way she used to.

The problem critters insect or small animal like small spaces, cracks, crevices etc. I think they said they found alot of dead mice as well so they might not have found food or water. Or existing poisons got to them

In the California cases they've apparently seen little evidence of mice. Wonder if people though being in a more rural area they could ease up on things like hand washing or sanitation. Or got into food, plates or utensils at a local restaurant or bar.
 
Nathan said:
Ever since the Hantavirus outbreak on the Navajo Reservation I've been following CDC's recommendations for rodent dropping cleanup, which is: spray area where rodent dropping are with a solution of bleach and water, and let dry, before sweeping the area.
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They say do that with a lot of critter problems including ant trails to get rid any scent, pheromones etc they can use to locate that spot. It serves to sanitize and take away their roads signs if you will.
 
hollydolly said:
OH good grief.. that is awful, very messy people, couldn't even close a drawer or cupboard in the bathroom... no wonder they didn't invite anyone over..
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You try being 63, taking care of your 95 year old husband with dementia and bad heart, taking care of 3 large dogs in an 8700 sq foot home without any help. The real story is why didn't Betsy hire help for housekeeping and Gene's health care?

I am willing to bet the reason why their friends stopped visiting a few years prior was because Betsy wanted to avoid answering these questions.

I honestly don't like to speak ill of the dead, so I won't poke at Betsy's character anymore. The media is disgusting in keeping this story alive at this point, all for click bait. I even hate myself when I took a peek at the photos. But I did it with sympathy not judgement.
 
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Not every mouse has hanta. Some years ago they tested mice that inhabit the campground down in the grand canyon. About 10 percent at the time were shedding virus. Years that have excess food…such as a great pinion year increase the mouse population in these areas. Hanta has never killed “a lot” of people because not that many people have ever gotten it. Now in the Western United States there are more people aware of the disease and it’s associated symptoms…and facilities like the University hospital in New Mexico well acquainted with how to best treat the virus. Better outcomes. But I said the truth on another thread…this virus has my respect…can take a person into respiratory failure within hours.
 
UpstateGal said:
You try being 63, taking care of your 95 year old husband with dementia and bad heart, taking care of 3 large dogs in an 8700 sq foot home without any help. The real story is why didn't Betsy hire help for housekeeping and Gene's health care?

I am willing to bet the reason why their friends stopped visiting a few years prior was because Betsy wanted to avoid answering these questions.

I honestly don't like to speak ill of the dead, so I won't poke at Betsy's character anymore. The media is disgusting in keeping this story alive at this point, all for click bait. I even hate myself when I took a peek at the photos. But I did it with sympathy not judgement.
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OK so how do you know that I've never been in a similar situation?...just surmising as usual... aren't you..?

..and remember they made the choice not to have help at the house, some of us couldn't afford to have help..... swivel..on that thought...
 
There are thousands of elderly people.. much older than she was looking after Dementia afflicted partners they don't let their houses get in this mess.....


This is the bath, filled with boxes and garbage .....when was the last time they used the bath...?

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Boxes and trash blocking the shower...

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The article says a couple times that no infestation was found inside the house, so I'd think she contracted Hanta from an outbuilding. I'm definitely not a person that can criticize other people's cluttered spaces. The article said something about even groceries not put away, and I slowly turned and stared at my dining room table which is hosting three small bags of grocery store purchases from yesterday. :D
 
HoneyNut said:
The article says a couple times that no infestation was found inside the house, so I'd think she contracted Hanta from an outbuilding. I'm definitely not a person that can criticize other people's cluttered spaces. The article said something about even groceries not put away, and I slowly turned and stared at my dining room table which is hosting three small bags of grocery store purchases from yesterday. :D
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3 small bags on a table..not every room filled with garbage !
 
I've actually helped hoarders cited and given notice by local code compliance to clean up or get out. From the pictures I've seen I see some clutter and disorganization with alot stuff but not a hoarder. With an actual hoarder the number and size of the piles would be a lot more along with visible trash and food. I see a living space of someone who was obviously behind and/or struggling of late but not a hoarder.

As some noted she/they should've had help to clean, cook, fix etc. At that age every task can look like or become s a project which can create procrastination.
 
full expose of your life after death or not ? - should it be written into your will or is this IN the public interest? - in my view disgusting no - not the findings the disclosures - eroding privacy ; eroding dignity - almost like another film set?
 

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