The oldest member of a South Waikato family struck down by suspected botulism poisoning has begun to mouth words, a spokesman says.
Shibu Kochummen, 35, his wife Subi Babu, 33, and his mother Alekutty Daniel, 62, ate a wild boar curry for dinner two weeks ago at their Putaruru home.
Within minutes of eating, Babu and Daniel collapsed, vomiting. Kochummen called an ambulance but collapsed while on the phone.
The trio have been in a serious but stable condition in Waikato Hospital ever and at the weekend Daniel became "slightly responsive", having co-ordinated eye movement and the ability to focus.
"No one has spoken but we are beginning to get focus on movement," family spokesman Joji Varghese earlier told the Herald.