Forty students stabbed with needle in Puerto Rico

At least 40 middle school pupils have been stabbed with a hypodermic needle by a fellow student, health officials in Puerto Rico said today.

All are being tested for possible diseases and are being given preventive medicine.

Health Department spokeswoman Margarita Casalduc said the attack occurred at a school in the southern coastal town of Arroyo on Tuesday.

She said she did not know if the syringe contained anything or was contaminated.

Education Secretary Jesus Rivera Sanchez said in a statement that the female suspect has been suspended.

Officials said counsellors were meeting the parents of the stabbed students.