In a disturbing development drawing national concern, health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed the emergence of a highly contagious new virus linked to the recent death of Betsy Arakawa, the longtime wife of veteran actor Gene Hackman.
The illness, now tentatively labeled “Silent Respiratory Syndrome” (SRS-25), was first detected in New Mexico, where Arakawa passed away last month after a sudden and severe respiratory collapse. Initially attributed to an “atypical pneumonia of unknown origin,” postmortem testing has since revealed the presence of a previously unidentified viral strain.
A Silent Threat
What makes SRS-25 especially alarming is its stealth: an incubation period of up to 14 days during which infected individuals may show no symptoms while remaining highly contagious. Confirmed cases have now surfaced in Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, and other states, with a total of at least 82 infections across seven states as of this morning. Authorities are investigating potential clusters linked to airports and public venues.
“The virus doesn’t present with a fever early on, which makes it difficult to detect,” said Dr. Carla Menendez, chief epidemiologist at the CDC. “In older adults or those with preexisting conditions, the illness can escalate dramatically within days.”
What We Know About the Virus
SRS-25 is a novel RNA-based respiratory virus, believed to be airborne and potentially more resistant to common disinfectants than similar pathogens. Researchers are working to determine its full genetic profile and behavior.
The most commonly reported symptoms in the later stages include:
-
Persistent dry cough
-
Sudden respiratory distress
-
“Silent hypoxia” (dangerously low oxygen levels without shortness of breath)
-
Severe fatigue and confusion
As of now, there is no known cure or vaccine for the virus.
The Link to Betsy Arakawa
Sources close to the Hackman family say that Betsy Arakawa, 63, began experiencing mild symptoms in early May but rapidly deteriorated and died less than 72 hours after hospital admission. Gene Hackman, 95, has not made a public statement, though he is reportedly under medical observation and has tested negative for the virus.
Her death, initially considered an isolated case, led researchers at the University of New Mexico to isolate and sequence the virus—an early breakthrough in understanding SRS-25.
Warnings and Precautions
While no national health emergency has been declared, the U.S. Department of Health is urging citizens to wear masks in crowded indoor spaces, practice strict hand hygiene, and reconsider nonessential travel to affected regions.
“We still have time to contain this,” said Dr. Anthony Kim, special advisor on emerging diseases. “But the window is closing fast.”
