Kids checked after syringes found at NM preschool

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Children at a city-run preschool program in Albuquerque, N.M., are being examined by doctors after teachers learned they had pricked themselves with hypodermic needles that were mistakenly donated to their classroom.

Officials say two syringes were in a box containing a stethoscope, medical gloves and other medical supplies intended to be used by the kids to play doctor. At least four children were pricked by the needles Tuesday.

The city's chief administrative officer, Rob Perry, says the syringes are being tested by state health officials, but it appears they were empty. He says officials don't know how the syringes ended up in the box.

Perry says teachers learned of the incident at the Governor Bent Pre-Kindergarten Center when the children complained about puncture wounds Wednesday morning, and letters are being sent to parents. The children are all about 5 years old.

Doctors from a local hospital will be at the school Thursday to check the children and run tests.