According to New Mexico Veterinarian Erin Phipps, dogs have rarely been killed as a result of the same illness that killed Arakawa.
After authorities announced her cause of death on March 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was notified of a case of Hantavirus that led to the death of 63-year-old Betsie Arakawa.
Dr. Heather Jarrell said it was likely that Hackman died of natural causes around February 18th, and Arakawa died before him after February 11th.
It does not spread from person to person, and symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and abdominal pain can occur several weeks after exposure.
New Mexico veterinarian Erin Phipps said authorities don’t see the norm for cases of this particular virus, but it falls under what the CDC considers as a “notified illness.”
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“This is not an unusual case. Unfortunately, we get the case every year,” Phipps said. “We do not see any signs of abnormal or abnormal patterns.”
Once the disease is diagnosed, the CDC will require that it be reported to either the state or local health officials, including this case.
Autopsy findings revealed that Hackman (95) had a history of cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said Arakawa was last seen in a shopping for surveillance footage on February 11, showing no signs of trauma or illness around him.
On February 26, the bodies of Hackman, his wife and one of the dogs were found in Santa Fe Estate by a maintenance worker who contacted authorities.
Potential causes of death in family dogs
Their Australian Kelpee Mixed Dog, previously misidentified as a couple’s German shepherd, was also found in a bathroom closet near Arakawa.
The official cause of death for the dog has not been confirmed as autopsy results are pending. Phipps points out that dehydration and starvation could have been a possible scenario.
She added that it is unlikely that the dog died as a result of the same illness that killed Arakawa.
“Dogs don’t get sick from the hantavirus,” Phipps said at a press conference. “These viruses are zoonotic diseases, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.”
Investigators identified “signs of rodent invasion” between the structures of the couple’s property. However, Phipps said the overall risk of exposure is lower compared to other homes in the area.
