CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. - State health officials have found a second active case of tuberculosis at Central Falls High School.

The illness was discovered during a second round of testing of all juniors, seniors and staff members.

The first case of TB, a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs, was discovered in January. Health officials then tested all juniors and seniors as well as staff that had close contact with the student.

Health director David Gifford says the second case is not surprising since TB is contagious.

"Because TB can spread with close contact, it is not surprising that our testing identified another case in a student with close and frequent contact with the first student," he said.

"The manner in which we test for the infection is sequential and expands as new cases are found, so our next step is to conduct further skin testing among the entire school population to make sure that no one else has contracted TB."

Health officials will do skin tests in the first week of June on all students and faculty to identify anyone else who may have the infection.

"Central Falls faculty and staff will once again fully cooperate with the Department of Health as we gear up for this round of testing," Central Falls Superintendent Frances Gallo said.

The health department said it sees about 50 cases of active TB every year.

Tuberculosis can cause persistent coughing, weight loss and shortness of breath.

MORE NET RESOURCES:

R.I. Department Of Health website, in English and Spanish.

Rhode Island Department of Health: Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More: Centers For Disease Control