The New Mexico property where Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in February was infested with rodents carrying the deadly hantavirus, according to recent findings.

The couple’s bodies were discovered on 26 February at their Santa Fe estate after a maintenance worker alerted authorities.

An environmental assessment conducted by the New Mexico Department of Public Health has revealed the property was a “breeding ground for infestation” with evidence of rodents throughout the outbuildings.

The assessment, carried out on 5 March, found rodent faeces, a live rodent, a dead rodent and a rodent nest on the property.

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Hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings, was determined to be the cause of 65-year-old Arakawa’s death.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is characterised by flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle aches, cough and sometimes vomiting. These symptoms can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or lung failure.

The virus typically spreads through rodent urine and droppings that one may come into contact with when cleaning areas such as basements or attics.

Records obtained by CNN show that rodent faeces were found in three garages, two small guest houses and three sheds on the Santa Fe estate.

The property contained eight outbuildings that showed signs of infestation, whilst the main residence was classified as “low-risk”.

“The main house was clean, with no signs of infestation,” according to the health department’s report.

However, there were sightings of rodents, a nest and faeces on vehicles on the property.

Live traps found in the outbuildings indicated it was known the area had a pest problem.

The assessment was carried out to determine the level of hazard to first responders and emergency personnel who might visit the property.

The initial investigation had revealed the main house was safe, but this check did not include the other buildings in the property.

New Mexico’s chief medical investigator said Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome around 12 February.

Hackman, who was 95, died approximately a week later on 18 February from “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease”.

Advanced Alzheimer’s disease was listed as a significant contributory factor in the actor’s death.

The two-time Oscar winner was likely at home alone with the body of his wife for a week before he passed away, according to the sheriff of Santa Fe.

Investigators suspect Hackman was too weak and confused to seek medical attention, surviving for nearly a week before succumbing to heart illness.

He was dependent on his wife, who was his primary caregiver, for medicines, household errands and even the simplest of tasks.

Tests on Hackman’s pacemaker showed cardiac activity on 17 February, with an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation recorded on 18 February.