A student or staff member in the Syosset Central School District is being treated for tuberculosis, the Nassau County Department of Health confirmed Wednesday.

The health department and the school district both refused to reveal whether the person is a student or staff member. They also wouldn't disclose at which of the district's 10 schools the person worked or attended. The health department did confirm the person is being treated for active tuberculosis, which can be contagious.

Many parents News 12 Long Island spoke with are upset the district would not disclose more specifics. Individuals who had prolonged or close contact with the person were notified in a separate letter, the district said.

In a statement to News 12 Long Island, school administrators wrote, "We have taken all the appropriate measures to protect the health of our students and the community and are working closely with the Department of Health?Notification of the situation has been sent to the entire Syosset community."

The referenced notification was made available on the district's Web site around 4 p.m. on Wednesday. An informational meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.

Tuberculosis most often attacks the lungs, but it can also affect the spine and brain. The disease spreads through the air, usually when the infected person coughs or sneezes.

Related Information:Syosset School District Letter to ParentsNYS Health Dept.: Tuberculosis Fact Sheet