Needling Issue

Surgeons in Brazil are attempting to remove up to 50 sewing needles from a 2-year-old boy. “Brazilian media reported that a former stepfather of the toddler has been detained and he told police that he inserted the needles into the boy with the help of two unidentified women. The police inspector in charge of the case, Helder Fernandes Santana, told the Agencia Estado news agency that a black magic ritual involving the boy was among the motives police were looking into. ‘All of our officers are focused on this case, gathering information,’ he said. The boy is in intensive care but his condition has improved since he was admitted, Dr. Luiz Cesar Soltoski told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Soltoski, who is treating the boy, said surgeons hope to remove most of the needles — some as long as 2 inches (5 centimeters)- but those in the lungs will have to wait until the child’s breathing improves.”