DES MOINES (AP) - Officials say a Loras College student found dead in her dorm room Sunday likely died from bacterial meningitis.

The state medical examiner's office released the preliminary autopsy results Tuesday for 19-year-old sophomore Audrey Fitzgerald.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control describes bacterial meningitis as an infection of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain. If it is not diagnosed early, the infected person can die within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

The bacteria can cause fever, vomiting and nausea. It is spread by close contact with an ill person through saliva or nasal secretions.

The Dubuque-based college and state health officials say they have taken measures to contact all potentially exposed individuals.

Authorities have scheduled a press conference for Wednesday.