UPDATE: Tributes are flowing for a Victorian university student who died suddenly on Wednesday night from “invasive” meningococcal disease in Ballarat, west of Melbourne.

Loreto College in Ballarat has named the 19-year-old female victim as Emma-Kate McGrath, a former student who was described as a “wonderful role model” for fellow students.

“She was full of life and her enthusiasm at times seemed to just bubble over and fill the room,” said one of her teachers in a Facebook tribute on Friday.

Ms McGrath was a student at the Australian Catholic University and had recently done volunteer work with orphans in Cambodia.

Testing was underway to determine the strain of the disease, said a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human services.

However, he said a process was underway to identify anyone who had been in close contact with the student, and antibiotics were being offered.

Friends of the student, who was a former student at Loreto College, have taken to social media to pay tribute to her.

“You didn’t deserve this, one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever met. Rest in peace, you will always be in our hearts,” Gabby Kernick wrote on Facebook.

“RIP. We’ll all miss you. I hope all friends and family are alright,” Candace Martin wrote.

Loreto College Principal Judith Potter said in a letter to students that the former pupil “was full of life and her enthusiasm at times seemed to just bubble over and fill the room”.

A spokeswoman from ACU said the university would not be making a statement regarding the death.

The Department of Health and Human Services was also working closely with Ballarat Base Hospital, and was undertaking all necessary public health actions.

“We are also working with the Australian Catholic University and local schools to provide information to students and families.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this tragic time and are respecting their privacy,” their spokesperson said.

Victoria has had 23 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease so far this year.

The disease is an acute bacterial infection that can cause death if it is not diagnosed and treated quickly.

What is meningococcal disease?

•  Acute bacterial infection which spreads through close human contact
• Highest at-risk groups are infants, teenagers and young adults
•  Symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, nausea
• Simple precautions include washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes
• Can lead to permanent disabilities or death in 24 hours, although majority of victims fully recover

Source: Meningococcal Australia, Department of Health

— with ABC/AAP