A 48-year-old father of five from Omagh developed meningitis after a sore ear infection in January. Mark McNamee entered a coma and required treatment at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.

His condition worsened to include encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. McNamee remained in a coma for six days and spent two additional weeks in the intensive care unit.

McNamee's wife Ellen learned the infection strain was severe. Hospital staff checked daily for a rash, a common meningitis sign that did not appear in his case.

Recovery has brought challenges for McNamee, including memory issues, eyesight problems, balance difficulties, sleep disruption, severe headaches and sensitive hearing.

The family reports increased anxiety and greater caution around illnesses in their children. McNamee works as an engineer and aims to resume normal activities gradually.

Both McNamee and his wife expressed thanks to staff at South West Acute Hospital.