HOUSTON -- A student at North Forest High School may have contracted tuberculosis, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

School officials said some classmates who came into close contact with the student will now have to be tested next week for the potentially fatal disease.

The Houston Health Department held a meeting for parents Wednesday night to answer questions after North Forest ISD sent letters home.

It read, in part, "North Forest High School has been notified that an individual is suspected of having tuberculosis. Persons identified as potential contacts are being notified. The health and well-being of the students, school district employees and the community is a top priority."

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is caused by a bacteria that usually attacks the lungs. However, the TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If not treated properly, TB can be fatal.

Tuberculosis is spread through the air from one person to another, especially during coughing, sneezing, speaking or singing.

Symptoms include a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, a pain in the chest, coughing up blood, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, no appetite, chills, fever and sweating at night.

TB can be treated by taking several drugs for six to 12 months, the CDC said.