<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>A case of Hantavirus was confirmed at Grand Canyon National Park by a Coconino County health official. The virus, spread mostly by deer mice, rat urine, droppings, and saliva, is rare but potentially fatal with no specific cure or treatment.</li><li>Hantavirus doesn't spread between humans but can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent. Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died earlier this year of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.</li><li>Throughout the past 50 years, New Mexico has seen 136 cases of Hantavirus, with a 42% fatality rate. Taking protective measures and seeking early medical care can lower the risk of the virus.</li><li>Deer mice populations are believed to be higher than usual this year. Apart from the Hantavirus case, exposure to rabies was confirmed at the national park through a bat carrier. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment helped the individual recover after exposure.</li></ul>

Rare Virus That Killed Gene Hackman's Wife Now Impacting Grand Canyon National Park

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