Dead rodents found throughout Gene Hackman's property while officials assess hantavirus risk

New records tied to Gene Hackman's death investigation reveal that several buildings on the actor's property had rodent droppings and nests.

A hantavirus risk assessment test conducted in March found rodent feces in three garages and sheds as well as two casitas, CNN reported. The outlet, which obtained the records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health, also reported that a live rodent, a dead rodent and a rodent nest were found in three detached garages on the property.

According to the outlet, the records indicate that the main residence had a low exposure risk and had no signs of rodent activity.

The discovery comes weeks after New Mexico's medical investigator ruled Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, likely died Feb. 11 at home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings. The disease is often carried by rats and mice and humans can become infected when coming into contact with rodent urine, feces or saliva.

The assessment was conducted as part of the death investigation of Hackman and Arakawa on March 5 to make sure the property was safe for first responders and family members who had been to the residence. Additionally, CNN reports that the two vehicles on the property were also found to have rodents, nests and feces.

Видео Dead rodents found throughout Gene Hackman's property while officials assess hantavirus risk канала 10 Tampa Bay