Kalamazoo (Newschannel 3) - Western Michigan University officials are issuing a precautionary alert after a student died from symptoms pointing towards bacterial meningitis.

The 19-year-old male student, whose name is not being released, died in his home in Holland on Wednesday, after suffering a brief illness.

An autopsy and follow-up laboratory tests conducted Wednesday morning were inconclusive, but because the student's symptoms were so similar to those of a person suffering from bacterial meningitis, college officials decided to notify others who lived in the victim's dorm.

Now those who came into close contact with the student are being contacted by the County Health Department, about receiving special antibiotic treatment. The University has already contacted all students who may need to receive preventative treatment.

Bacterial meningitis is an acute disease that causes the membranes of the brain and spinal cord to become infected. Vaccinations are the best form of prevention of the disease for those who may have come into close contact with the infected person.

Symptoms of the disease include, but are not limited to: sudden fever, nausea, stiff neck, vomiting, intense headache and possible rash. The disease can be spread from one carrier to another by sharing food or drinks, or kissing. Nationally, about 3,000 cases of bacterial meningitis are reported every year, and about 10 percent of those become fatal.

This is the first time a WMU student has reportedly suffered from bacterial meningitis since 1991. For students who have any questions or concerns, Sindecuse Health Center personnel can be reached at (269)387-3290. You can also call the Kalamazoo Co. Health Department at (269)373-5267.

Newschannel 3 will have more on this story as more information becomes available.