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Poll: Why Santa Fe was crowned America's best city
Poll: Why Santa Fe was crowned America's best city

Daily Mail​

time13-07-2025

  • Daily Mail​

Poll: Why Santa Fe was crowned America's best city

A New Mexico city was rated the top in the US for its stunning views and good food, but it was recently involved in a horrific tragedy. Santa Fe, the state's capital, was rated number one of Travel and Leisure's 2025 best US travel destinations. The town of 89,000, known for its unique Spanish-style architecture and sand-colored buildings, scored an 88.80 out of 100 by 180,000 readers in the survey, beating out popular major cities like New York City, which ranked eighth. Readers loved the city's New Mexican cuisine, as well as its art galleries and markets. The city sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and gets sunshine nearly all year round - a place readers called a 'true gem.' 'Every trip exceeds the last, with so many new things to discover,' one reader told the magazine. 'Santa Fe offers a multi-layer experience,' another said. However, the idyllic city was recently hit with a tragedy that has left many on edge. The 'best city' accolade comes as millions in the region have been warned to beware of Hantavirus - a deadly virus that recently claimed a notable resident's life. Actor Gene Hackman and his musician wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in February. Police have since determined that Arakawa died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by the virus, which is passed on through rodent urine, saliva and feces. She was 65. Hantavirus is a rare but severe respiratory illness spread through exposure, typically inhalation, to rodent droppings. A report obtained by Daily Mail indicated that Arakawa had bookmarks on her computer suggesting that she had been researching medical conditions with symptoms similar to COVID-19 or the flu prior to her death. Hackman also had trace amounts of acetone in his system at the time of his death, which could be a product of 'diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis.' Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease at the time, is believed to have wandered around the couple's home alone after his wife's death. Due to the advanced condition, he may not have ever realized his wife had died. The actor, who was 95, died nearly a week later around February 18, from severe heart disease, while Alzheimer's and kidney disease were contributing factors. Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus. Despite the tragedy, the New Mexico paradise beat out New Orleans, Louisiana, Charleston, South Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and Alexandria, Virginia, which ranked in the top five. Mid-summer through the fall is a great time to visit the city for those who love wildflowers and hot temperatures, as it sits in the 80s and 90s. Winter is another great time to visit for those who love cold activities, like skiing. There are several art museums, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. O'Keeffe was a long-time resident of the area. It also has the Museum of Indian Art and Culture, the New Mexico History Museum, and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. It's also a hidden gem for spas, with some located around natural hot springs. Santa Fe also has plenty of hiking trails as its located in the mountains, many of them located along historic architectural sites. And the city is home to many luxurious hotels, including a Four Seasons.

Hantavirus, rabies exposures confirmed at Grand Canyon National Park
Hantavirus, rabies exposures confirmed at Grand Canyon National Park

The Hill

time08-07-2025

  • Health
  • The Hill

Hantavirus, rabies exposures confirmed at Grand Canyon National Park

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An employee at Grand Canyon National Park was exposed to hantavirus, and a separate case of exposure to rabies in the park has also been confirmed. A Coconino County health official confirmed both reports to Nexstar's KLAS. While hantavirus can be fatal, it's also rare. The virus is spread primarily by deer mice, according to Eve Wolters, deputy director for Coconino County Health and Human Services. Deer mice are part of the environment at Grand Canyon National Park. Authorities did not say how the Grand Canyon employee may have been exposed. Hantavirus, which does not spread between people, has no specific cure or treatment. Early medical attention can, however, increase the chance of survival. An infection can rapidly progress and become life-threatening. Earlier this year, an autopsy confirmed that Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that from 1993 to 2022, New Mexico had the highest concentration of hantavirus cases in the U.S., followed by Colorado, Arizona, California, and Washington. About 38% of cases are fatal, according to the CDC. Earlier this year, three people in the remote California town of Mammoth Lakes died of hantavirus. Dr. Tom Boo, the county's public health officer, said it was not initially believed that any of them 'engaged in activities typically associated with exposure, such as cleaning out poorly ventilated indoor areas or outbuildings with a lot of mouse waste.' Boo said in April that deer mice numbers are believed to be high this year in the Mammoth Lakes area, noting that 'an increase in indoor mice elevates the risk of Hantavirus exposure.' Nevada officials advise taking care when cleaning out areas such as sheds, barns, trailers, garages, and cabins where deer mice have nested or left droppings. Eve Wolters, deputy director for Coconino County Health and Human Services, said rabies cases are much more common than hantavirus, and bats are a primary carrier. 'There are things you can do to protect yourself. Be aware of what you're coming into contact with and take appropriate precautions,' she said. 'People want to sleep out under the stars,' Wolters said. And while that's easy to understand at a place like the Grand Canyon, a tent is safer. While you're sleeping, you just don't know what might be exploring your face, she said. The recent report at the Grand Canyon involved a bat collected along the Colorado River near Kanab Creek Canyon. The bat tested positive for rabies, according to the National Park Service. Wolters said the person exposed to the bat had recovered after treatment known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

America's best city is named in prestige poll... but beautiful spot was recently involved in horrific incident
America's best city is named in prestige poll... but beautiful spot was recently involved in horrific incident

Daily Mail​

time08-07-2025

  • Health
  • Daily Mail​

America's best city is named in prestige poll... but beautiful spot was recently involved in horrific incident

A New Mexico city was rated the top in the US for its stunning views and good food, but it was recently involved in a horrific tragedy. Santa Fe, the state's capital, was rated number one of Travel and Leisure's 2025 best US travel destinations. The town of 89,000, known for its unique Spanish-style architecture and sand-colored buildings, scored an 88.80 out of 100 by 180,000 readers in the survey, beating out popular major cities like New York City, which ranked eighth. Readers loved the city's New Mexican cuisine, as well as its art galleries and markets. The city sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and gets sunshine nearly all year round - a place readers called a 'true gem.' 'Every trip exceeds the last, with so many new things to discover,' one reader told the magazine. 'Santa Fe offers a multi-layer experience,' another said. However, the idyllic city was recently hit with a tragedy that has left many on edge. The city has recently undergone a tragedy after actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home The 'best city' accolade comes as millions in the region have been warned to beware of Hantavirus - a deadly virus that recently claimed a notable resident's life. Actor Gene Hackman and his musician wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in February. Police have since determined that Arakawa died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by the virus, which is passed on through rodent urine, saliva and feces. She was 65. Hantavirus is a rare but severe respiratory illness spread through exposure, typically inhalation, to rodent droppings. A report obtained by Daily Mail indicated that Arakawa had bookmarks on her computer suggesting that she had been researching medical conditions with symptoms similar to COVID-19 or the flu prior to her death. Hackman also had trace amounts of acetone in his system at the time of his death, which could be a product of 'diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis.' Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease at the time, is believed to have wandered around the couple's home alone after his wife's death. Due to the advanced condition, he may not have ever realized his wife had died. The actor, who was 95, died nearly a week later around February 18, from severe heart disease, while Alzheimer's and kidney disease were contributing factors. Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus. Mid-summer through the fall is a great time to visit the city for those who love wildflowers and hot temperatures, as it sits in the 80s and 90s Despite the tragedy, the New Mexico paradise beat out New Orleans, Louisiana, Charleston, South Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and Alexandria, Virginia, which ranked in the top five. Mid-summer through the fall is a great time to visit the city for those who love wildflowers and hot temperatures, as it sits in the 80s and 90s. Winter is another great time to visit for those who love cold activities, like skiing. There are several art museums, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. O'Keeffe was a long-time resident of the area. It also has the Museum of Indian Art and Culture, the New Mexico History Museum, and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. It's also a hidden gem for spas, with some located around natural hot springs. Santa Fe also has plenty of hiking trails as its located in the mountains, many of them located along historic architectural sites.

New Hantavirus Warning Issued Months After Gene Hackman's Wife's Death
New Hantavirus Warning Issued Months After Gene Hackman's Wife's Death

Yahoo

time13-06-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

New Hantavirus Warning Issued Months After Gene Hackman's Wife's Death

New Hantavirus Warning Issued Months After Gene Hackman's Wife's Death originally appeared on Parade. Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, tragically passed away after contacting Hantavirus — a rare but serious disease carried by rodents. Now, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and the Nevada Department of Wildlife are urging residents to take extra precautions. The agency confirmed two additional cases of the virus in the state on Tuesday, June 10. 'We urge people to be aware of any signs of rodent activity and to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to hantavirus.' Melissa Bullock, the state's medical epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of early detection. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 'Anyone who has been in contact with rodents, nests or droppings and subsequently develops symptoms consistent with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome should see a health care provider immediately,' she stated in a press release. Hantavirus is an infectious disease that's typically spread through exposure to infected rodents. Transmission can occur through contact with the animal's urine, droppings or saliva. The early symptoms of HPS include fever, fatigue and muscle aches, followed by coughing and shortness of breath. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPS is a severe and potentially fatal illness — nearly 4 in 10 people who are infected pass away. However, it can be treated if caught early through blood tests and proper medical care. 'As warmer weather arrives, people will be more active in areas such as sheds, barns, trailers, garages and cabins where deer mice have nested or left droppings,' the agency noted. To reduce the risk of hantavirus exposure, health agencies recommend the following, including: Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. Seal gaps, cracks, or holes in structures to keep mice out. Keep areas clean and free of clutter or food sources. Use gloves and a well-fitted N95 mask when cleaning areas with signs of rodent activity. In March, officials revealed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The New Mexico Health Department later revealed that investigators had found signs of "rodent entry" in structures on the couple's property. New Hantavirus Warning Issued Months After Gene Hackman's Wife's Death first appeared on Parade on Jun 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.

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