HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) — Health officials are asking friends of a Western Michigan University freshman who died following a brief illness to undergo antibiotic treatment for possible bacterial meningitis.

Nineteen-year-old Joseph Metzelaars died in his sleep at his Holland-area home after reporting symptoms consistent with the disease, which attacks the brain and spinal cord.

An autopsy didn't pinpoint the cause of death.

Mike Metzelaars tells The Grand Rapids Press his son was recovering from mononucleosis when he complained of a sore neck Tuesday night. The student was found dead the next morning.

The victim was the nephew of Pete Metzelaars, a former pro football player who now is an assistant coach with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.

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Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grpress