CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. — Students at Pine Forest High School who had contact with a 14-year-old classmate diagnosed with

tuberculosis

will be tested for the bacterial infection on Wednesday.

Students who have shared a school bus or classroom with the freshman on a daily basis will be given a free PPD skin test to check for infection.

Although the risk is small, as many as 450 students could have been exposed. Cumberland County health officials said they expect the initial test results back by Friday.

Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection that attacks the lungs. Although health officials said that it is much less contagious than the flu or cold, the disease can spread from person to person in the air.

The female student is being treated at UNC Hospitals.