Virus outbreak similar to the one that killed Gene Hackman's wife threatens Birmingham

Birmingham's growing rat problem, fueled by a bin workers' strike, raises concerns over a deadly hantavirus.

Birmingham is facing a growing health threat as rat-infested piles of uncollected rubbish could lead to the spread of dangerous viruses, experts warn.

Among the most concerning is the Seoul virus, a hantavirus carried by rats, which tragically claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, earlier this year. Experts say that the city’s escalating rodent problem, exacerbated by a bin collector strike, poses serious risks to public health as warmer weather accelerates rat breeding.

Professor Malcolm Bennett, a zoonotic disease expert from the University of Nottingham, stressed that the Seoul virus and other diseases like Weil’s disease—known to cause severe symptoms such as eye-bleeding and organ failure—could spread rapidly in Birmingham. Both viruses are excreted by rats through their urine, and experts warn that the growing rodent population, left unchecked amid the strike, increases the likelihood of transmission to humans.

"The longer the rubbish piles up, the more rats we’ll have," said Professor Bennett. "This is a ticking health time bomb, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young, and those with compromised immune systems." Hantaviruses, like the Seoul virus, cause severe symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and potentially fatal kidney failure.

Authorities have expressed concern, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting calling the situation a growing public health risk. Efforts to resolve the bin workers’ strike have been described as "productive," though many issues remain unresolved.

As the city grapples with rising rat numbers, doctors are on alert for symptoms of rat-borne diseases, and residents are urged to take precautions like practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces. The situation, if not addressed, could have serious long-term health implications for Birmingham’s residents.