One affected with tuberculosis in Douglas County

County health officials reported a high school student in Omaha has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Photo: One affected with tuberculosis in Douglas County

One affected with tuberculosis in Douglas County

Douglas County Health Department and Omaha Public Schools officials say the county health director and principal of Omaha Central High School, among others, will provide more details on Monday.

County officials say Centers for Disease Control Numbers show that there were 10 cases of tuberculosis in Douglas County last year, and more than 13,000 in the country.

Tuberculosis is a common and deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis most commonly attacks the lungs but can also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, bones, joints and even the skin. Other mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium canetti, and Mycobacterium microti can also cause tuberculosis, but these species do not usually infect healthy adults.

The bacterial infection can be spread through coughing and laughing, and is considered treatable.