LUMBERTON, N.C. -- The Robeson County Health Department is preparing to test dozens of students after a potential tuberculosis outbreak.

• Student in the Robeson County school district tests positive for tuberculosis
• Health Department says she possibly exposed 149 students and 14 faculty members to the disease
• Tests will be conducted on Feb. 18, with results expected by Feb. 20

The threat came from Lumberton Junior High after school leaders said a girl tested positive. Officials with the Robeson County Health Department said the student possibly exposed 149 students and 14 faculty members to the disease.

Tuberculosis can be spread by the infected person coughing or sneezing near or sharing saliva with other students. The health department is testing students next Tuesday.

"We understand the parents' concerns and the fears when something like this happens," Public Information Officer with The Public Schools of Robeson County Dr. Gordon Burnett said. "But we want to assure everyone you know that our stakeholders here and our stakeholders within the county, the Public Schools of Robeson County is doing everything to ensure the safety and health and well being of our students here."

The school is expected to have the results by February 20. Officials said the girl no longer attends the school.