High school students and staff at Southport High School in Indianapolis have been exposed the TB germ by another student. Precautions are being taken in the event of an outbreak. Photo by Giovanni Cancemi/Shutterstock

INDIANAPOLIS, April 23 (UPI) -- School administrators report that students and staff at Southport High School in Indianapolis, Indiana have been exposed to tuberculosis by a fellow student.

A minute-long prerecorded message by Principal Barbara Brouwer was sent to families Wednesday informing them of the potential outbreak. Those who were directly affected by the sickened student are urged to get a TB test as soon as possible. Fox 59 confirms that school-wide testing will take place next week.


Letters with more details concerning the issue will be sent out as well.

TB is a rare, airborne disease caused by bacteria. Symptoms include a bad cough that lasts more than two weeks, chest pains, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills and weight loss or loss of appetite. Some of those infected may not be symptomatic right away.

The CDC says the disease is treatable with several medications that must be taken for six to nine months. Cases of TB killed one of every seven people in the U.S. and Europe during the 20th century, but the disease has been on the decline since 1993.