Hantavirus comes from contact with rodents, especially after exposure to their urine, droppings and saliva. Read about how common it is in California.

Betsy Arakawa, the wife of the late Gene Hackman, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, New Mexico officials said Friday.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Hackman's causes of death have been revealed. Gene was suffering from severe heart disease and advanced Alzheimer's disease while Betsy suffered from hantavirus, which is spread through rodent droppings.