SAN JUAN — Health officials said a middle school student stabbed at least 40 classmates with a hypodermic needle. All were being tested for possible diseases and being given preventive medicine.

Health Department spokeswoman Margarita Casalduc said the attack occurred at a school in the southern coastal town of Arroyo. 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 had been suspended.

Officials said counselors met with the parents of the stabbed students.