What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome that killed Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa?

What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome that killed Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa?

US authorities have disclosed what caused the death of veteran actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, whose bodies were found at their home last month. The Hollywood star died of a heart disease, a week after his wife died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It is a rare illness spread through contact with rodents or their urine, feces, or saliva

Actor Gene Hackman arrives with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, January 19, 2003. File Photo/AP