According to the document, the authorities found feces, nests and animals alive and killed in vehicles, garages, guest houses and deposits located on the ground
A report by the New Mexico Health Department revealed that the property of actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa in Santa Fe, in the United States, showed signs of infestation by rodents. The information was released by the TMZ website on Monday (14). The survey was made in March, days after the couple’s death. Betsy died on February 13 from complications caused by hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted by feces and rats urine. Hackman died shortly thereafter, due to heart problems and Alzheimer’s – causes not related to infection. According to the document, the authorities found feces, nests and animals alive and killed in vehicles, garages, guest houses and deposits located on the ground. Traps were also found in the external spaces, a sign that the problem was already known.
Despite the surrounding scenario, the technicians considered the main house safe. No traces of the presence of rodents were identified in the residence where the couple lived, and the site was classified as low risk. Still, an analysis was performed to ensure the safety of rescuers and family members who were in the property. Hantavirosis is considered rare and is not transmitted from person to person. The higher risk is in closed and poorly ventilated environments, where contaminated particles can be inhaled while cleaning or handling objects with traces of rodents.
Remember the death of the couple
On March 7, authorities revealed that Betsy died of the effects of Hantavirus, which causes a respiratory disease and is associated with rodent feces at age 65. The estimated date of the pianist’s death is on February 12. Already Hackman, 95, would have died a week later, victim of heart disease. Legist medical chief Heather Jarrel reported that Alzheimer’s illness was a contributing factor for the actor’s death. Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths were considered to be natural causes, but Santa Fe police have not yet completed the investigation, with the aim of making a timeline with information obtained from cell phones collected at the house. “The case is considered open until we have the necessary information to close the timeline,” a spokesman told Associated Press.
Posted by Luisa Cardoso
*With information from Estadão Content
