Hantavirus, a deadly rodent-borne disease that caused the death of Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa, is spreading in the U.S., with recent cases confirmed in Nevada. Health officials advise precautions such as sealing entry points, trapping rodents, and cleaning areas with rodent activity to reduce infection risk, especially as warmer weather increases outdoor activity near rodent habitats.
A New Mexico man has died from complications of the bubonic plague, marking the state's first recorded case since 2021. State health officials are assessing the ongoing risk in the region, emphasizing the need for heightened community awareness and proactive measures to prevent its spread. The disease, caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria, is primarily spread through infected flea bites and contact with infected animals. While the likelihood of contracting the bubonic plague in the U.S. is extremely rare, experts advise preventive measures such as avoiding contact with sick or dead rodents and seeking medical attention for unexplained severe fever.
