WASHINGTON — A student at a high school in Charles County, Maryland, has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.

The Charles County Department of Health confirmed that a student at La Plata High School has tuberculosis and is working with the county’s school system to identify others who should receive TB testing due to a prolonged exposure to the student.

Those who have been exposed will receive notification of their risk and can get tested for free.

La Plata High School sent letters to parents about the case of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria that most often affects the lungs. It is spread from person-to-person through air — when those with the disease cough, sneeze or spit. Common symptoms include: coughing, chest pains, weakness, weight loss fever and night sweats.

It is curable and preventable.

The Charles County health department advises concerned parents to call their physicians or the county health department’s Communicable Disease Control Program at 301-609-6900 (ext. 6025).