ULSTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- One case of active tuberculosis has been confirmed in Ulster County, according to County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith.

Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs. If not treated properly, it can be fatal.

However, not everyone infected with the bacteria becomes sick.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough that lasts three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, coughing up blood or phlegm, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, lack of appetite, as well as chills, fever and sweating at night.

Smith says the Department of Health is doing everything it can to prevent further cases from developing.

All doctors’ offices and health care facilities in the county have been notified.

If anyone suspects that they, or someone they know, may be experiencing TB symptoms, they should contact their health care provider immediately and avoid contact with other people.

For more information contact the Ulster County Department of Health Communicable Disease Division at (845)340-3090 or visit the New York State Department of Health website at www.health.ny.gov.