A rare virus named Hantavirus, which killed actor Gene Hackman's wife in February, has now been linked to three other deaths in California. Mono County Public Health has confirmed that the third death in Mammoth Lakes was caused by Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

Hantavirus causes a serious and often fatal disease that spreads to humans primarily through contact with rodents such as rats and mice, particularly when in contact with their urine droplets or saliva. A rodent bite or scratch can also transmit the disease, although it is rare.

According to reports, the virus causes two types of syndromes. The first, found in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States, is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). The most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the US is transmitted by the deer mouse.

The second syndrome, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), is a group of clinically similar illnesses caused by hantavirus found mostly in Europe and Asia. The Seoul virus, a type of hantavirus, is found worldwide, including in the U.S.

HPS is a severe and potentially fatal disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms typically appear 1-8 weeks after exposure. Early symptoms include:

Fatigue

Fever

Muscle aches (especially in larger muscles)

About half of all cases experience:

Headache

Dizziness

Chills

Abdominal pain and problems

HFRS is also a potentially deadly disease that affects the kidneys, with symptoms appearing one to two weeks after exposure (in rare cases, it may take up to 8 weeks). The initial symptoms include:

Intense headache

Back and abdominal pain

Fever and chills

Nausea

Blurred vision

Other symptoms may include flushing of the face, inflammation, redness in the eyes, or even a rash.

Later symptoms of HFRS include:

Low blood pressure

Lack of blood flow

Internal bleeding

Acute kidney failure

Health officials emphasise that prevention is key to managing this disease, and controlling rodent populations is crucial.