FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A potential tuberculosis (TB) exposure has been linked to two Fresno-area colleges, the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) announced on Thursday. According to Fresno County, public health has linked the potential TB exposure to Fresno State and Fresno City College. They are investigating the exposure alongside the college's student health clinics. Public health officials say students and staff who may have been exposed will be asked to complete a survey and be offered testing to assess their risk for TB infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, although it can impact other areas of the body, such as the brain, kidneys or spine. Active TB can spread from one person to another when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or talks, the CDC adds. Symptoms of TB can include: A cough that lasts three weeks or longer Coughing up blood or phlegm from deep inside the lungs Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Fever Night sweats According to public health, Fresno County has experienced a rise in active TB cases in the last two years: 31 cases were reported in 2022 and 39 cases in 2023.