HOUSTON -- Some students at a northeast Harris County high school will be tested for tuberculosis after one of their classmates was diagnosed with the disease, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services officials said a North Shore Senior High School student was diagnosed in late December.

About 135 students who may have had close contact with the infected student will be screened in an effort to prevent others from contracting the disease. More than 1,900 students attend the school.

Officials said students who had lunch, participated in extracurricular activities or attended classes with the infected student could be at risk.

"Well I'm worried about him eating and drinking and catching this disease," concerned grandmother Edna Curtis said.

Galena Park Independent School District officials said the infected student has returned to class.

"It feels real bad. If he coughs, I may get infected," student Ruben Tamez said. "I don't know who it is that's contagious," said.

Screening will begin with a simple skin test at the school on Monday, officials said. Anyone who has a positive skin test may need to have a chest X-ray and visit a doctor.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can affect any part of the body but normally affects the lungs. If not properly treated, the disease can be fatal.

Tuberculosis is normally spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, speaking or singing. Anyone who breathes in the air containing the germs could become infected.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, night sweats, coughing that lasts more than two weeks, pain in the chest and coughing up blood.

Taking several drugs for six months to a year can cure tuberculosis.

Related Links:

CDC: Questions, Answers About TB