17 California middle school students fall ill after 'consuming banned substance'

At least 17 students at a Los Angeles middle school had to be medically evaluated after they possibly consumed what the authorities believe may have been a banned substance .

The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to Walter Reed Middle School — which is located in the Studio City neighborhood of the major city — at approximately 11 a.m. to take a look at 17 students.

Two of them were ultimately transported to the hospital, but their conditions remain unknown. The other 15 were released to their parents. All 17 are expected to make full recoveries.

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It remains unclear exactly what the students might have consumed, just that it appeared to have been some sort of banned substance. Whether that means narcotics or other types of drugs is unclear, or if it meant banned statewide or federally or just in the middle school, but the effects of the substance were very tangible, warranting the fire department and EMS being called to the scene.

The Los Angeles Unified School District released a statement about the incident to ABC7 Los Angeles detailing what happened. The school's principal began by writing that the safety of both students and staff remains a priority as the incident is investigated.

The principal wrote, "Today, we became aware that a group of students may have consumed a banned substance. Emergency personnel were contacted, and students received medical attention. The parents of the affected students have been notified. The Los Angeles School Police Department is currently investigating this incident, and we are actively working with our local health partners."

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The principal encouraged parents to talk with their children about substance abuse and what can happen when controlled substances are used — the side effects, the long-term effects and the dangers.

"We need your help to educate our students about the harms that drugs can cause," the principal said, directing readers to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's website on drugs.

The principal added that the school has mental health resources for all students, especially for those impacted by the incident, and that extra counseling will be made available for a short time. "We also encourage everyone to follow the District's message: If you see something, say something," the principal concluded. "Thank you for your continued engagement and support."