While Mr Kiefel, aged 61, remains on life support and in a critical condition, his wife, Jackie Monk told the Free Press he has made some small, yet significant improvements.
“Daily physical gains are small, but huge in terms of the spinal and nerve damage issues JEV can cause,” Ms Monk said.
“David can now move his head, feet and right hand. The doctors and I are hopeful his spinal irritation is temporary and will resolve over time.”
“The mouth tube has been replaced by a tracheostomy.
“He appears to retain his memories and is cognitively intact. It is also confirmed that David could read yesterday. At the moment, he communicates with facial expressions.”
Mr Kiefel had been suffering from achy joints and a mild headache from February 16.
Ms Monk suspected something wasn’t quite right with her husband Ms Monk, took him to the Corowa Hospital. Hours after being dischardged he was transferred to the Albury Hospital before being transported to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on March 1.
Ms Monk has remained by her husband’s side since being admitted to hospital. As her full-time carer, Ms Monk said she would be lost without her husband.
Thankfully, she has had the support of her dear friend Cally Loridas and family and friends who have come to visit Mr Kiefel.
Ms Monk said she would continue to advocate for at-risk communities, and the general public to receive free vaccinations, as well as push for the treatment of stagnant water.
“Mosquitoes carrying JEV are now a permanent fact of life in our area,” she said.
“They cannot be eradicated. That cold weather will kill the virus carrying mosquito is not true.”
Meanwhile, six NSW residents are now confirmed to have Japanese Encephalitis.
Several more people in NSW are currently undergoing further testing for JEV and more cases are expected to be confirmed over the coming days and weeks.
Locally acquired cases of JEV have never previously been identified in NSW in animals or humans. Since late February 2022, the JEV has been confirmed in samples from pig farms in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
The virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes feeding on infected animals and does not usually spread directly from animal to animal (i.e. it is not considered contagious).
Infection is not spread directly from pigs to people, and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat.
In general, spread is through the movement of migratory water birds and through the movement of infected mosquitoes, often over long distances
Symptoms of JEV typically include fever, joint pain and a rash. Occasionally JEV can cause severe symptoms including headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness. If you have symptoms, see your GP or call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. If you feel very unwell, head your nearest emergency department or call 000.
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