Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died in February at age 65 from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare, rodent-linked illness. Arakawa, a classical pianist, was found dead in the couple’s New Mexico home. Hackman, star of Behind Enemy Lines, died a week later from unrelated causes.

Less than two months later, three more people in Mammoth Lakes, California, also died from HPS. Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County Public Health Officer, called the deaths “tragic and alarming,” adding, “The occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year.”

Dr. Boo noted that none of the victims had participated in high-risk activities like cleaning rodent-infested areas. “Instead, these folks may have been exposed during normal daily activities, either in the home or the workplace,” he said.

Authorities believe an increase in deer mouse populations is behind the spike. “Many of us encounter deer mice in our daily lives and there is some risk,” Dr. Boo warned, urging caution and awareness of mouse droppings in everyday environments.