Corowa’s David Kiefel latest NSW death from Japanese encephalitis

Corowa is mourning the latest victim of Japanese encephalitis, which has claimed the lives of five Australians.

The second person in NSW to die from the rare mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis has been remembered as a man who did “a lot of good things” in the Murray River town where he lived.

David Kiefel contracted the virus in Corowa in mid-February from a mosquito bite and died last Friday at Albury hospital, aged 61.

Mr Kiefel had been receiving treatment in Melbourne before returning to Albury recently.

Those considered at higher risk of contracting the virus, which has claimed five lives Australia-wide, are piggery and animal transport workers and vets.

Corowa is home to a large piggery, but Mr Kiefel had no connection to the business with the virus outbreak attributed to the wet summer in southern parts of Australia including the Riverina.

David Kiefel was in intensive care units at the Alfred hospital after contracting Japanese encephalitis in February.

Mr Kiefel worked in the banking industry before returning to his hometown about a decade ago and served two years as treasurer of the Corowa-Rutherglen Football Club.

Former president Graham Hosier said the town was saddened by his death.

“We were struggling a bit for volunteers at the time he came on board,” Mr Hosier said.

“David did a lot of good things for the club.

“He came from an auditing and banking background and was able to take us to the next level with internet banking, using Eftpos machines and those things clubs need to do in today’s world.

“It’s sad for the town and sad for the community.”

David Kiefel and his wife, Jacquelene Monk.

He was also actively involved in the Corowa Community Garden.

NSW Health has confirmed mosquito numbers were on the decline, but urged people to keep taking steps to avoid bites.

Mr Kiefel’s wife Jacquelene Monk has also urged people to be aware of any virus symptoms.