4 Dec 2017

Family in coma from suspected botulism all awake

9:44 am on 4 December 2017

The last of three family members struck down with suspected botulism after eating wild boar has emerged from her coma.

Wild boar may have poisoned Putaruru family

Wild boar may have poisoned the Putaruru family. Photo: RNZ / YouTube

Subi Babu was admitted to Waikato Hospital nearly a month ago along with her husband Shibu Kochummen, and his mother, Alekutty Daniel.

Family friend Joji Varghese said all three have now regained consciousness.

Ms Babu was the worst affected and was the last to open her eyes, he said.

She is struggling to get words out but improving every day, Mr Varghese said.

Her husband and Mrs Daniels are now speaking well and eating solid food.

Mr Varghese said it was a relief the treatment for botulism has worked given the doctors are still waiting for lab test results from Australia.

The three adults will stay in the hospital until they are well enough to be moved into the rehab wing.

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