Mark McNamee, a father of five from Omagh in County Tyrone, contracted bacterial meningitis in January 2026. He went to bed with a sore ear and fever. Symptoms progressed to headaches, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, stiff neck and sensitivity to light. He developed encephalitis alongside the meningitis but no rash.

Ambulance transferred McNamee to South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Doctors induced a coma. He remained unconscious for six days and spent two weeks in intensive care. A CT scan detected brain inflammation.

McNamee emerged from the coma with initial unresponsiveness. He lay awake without moving or speaking for days. Staff monitored for brain damage. He now experiences memory issues, eyesight problems, balance difficulties, sleep disruption, severe headaches and sensitive hearing.

His wife Ellen noted the rapid deterioration at age 48. She observed signs of possible sepsis but did not suspect meningitis. Hospital staff informed her it was the most severe strain. Recovery took time to control infection levels.

McNamee expressed relief at surviving. He fears long-term limits on normal activities and returning to his engineering job. The family reports mental impacts and heightened anxiety over child illnesses. Both thanked Swah staff.

Separate from McNamee's case, Public Health Agency reported a probable meningitis case in a 16-year-old pupil at Bloomfield Collegiate School in East Belfast on 17 March 2026. Tests ruled out meningococcal disease. No further public health actions required for contacts.