The Fraser Health Authority has confirmed that a Grade 10 student at Dr. Charles Best Secondary School in Coquitlam has died suddenly from what's believed to be bacterial meningitis.

School officials have brought in grief counsellors to help students deal with the death of Brodie Campbell, who was a popular student at the school.

Health officials are also offering antibiotics to anyone who may have been in close contact with the teen who died, including family members.

Early Tuesday, Campbell's parents told staff their son had died suddenly.

Jeff Johnstone, who is the vice-principal of the school, also coached the boy in rugby.

"He was just a well-liked kid, and I know the boys on my rugby team saw him as a very important [team] member, that was someone who was always there to support them in the game of rugby, and to lend a hand to help a guy up, whether it was the opposition, or a fellow teammate."

Meningitis can attack the brain

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain, and can affect the lining of the brain or cause a blood infection.

The symptoms are flu-like, including fever, a severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, sleeplessness, sensitivity to bright lights, respiratory infection. They also include a reddish-purple bruise-like rash.

The meningococcal bacteria can be spread by direct contact with the saliva of an infected person, through kissing or the sharing of food, drinks, water bottles, cigarettes or mouthpieces of musical instruments.

Health officials say there is no increased risk from handshaking or hand-holding, or being in the same area as an infected person.

About 35 to 50 cases are reported in B.C. every year, with an average of three people a year dying of bacterial meningitis.