A Gordon State College resident student is being treated in an Atlanta hospital for a suspected case of tuberculosis.

"Since this is a public health issue, Gordon State College is working closely with the Lamar County Health Department and District 4 Public Health to determine the best course of action to ensure the health of our students, staff and faculty," said Tamara Boatwright, Gordon State College spokesperson.

Due to privacy issues, the identity of the student, details of the student's condition, and where the student is being treated cannot be released by Gordon State College.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lung or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. TB is NOT spread by shaking someone's hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or kissing.

The CDC notes that not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick.

For more information on TB visit the CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm