THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 4, 1995 TAG: 9503040447
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH AND MARIE JOYCE, STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
A popular high school athlete was forced to have both feet amputated Wednesday.
D.A.Taylor, a 16-year-old junior at Norfolk Academy, was hospitalized two weeks ago with meningococcal disease and remains in critical condition at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters.
The amputation was made public Thursday at an assembly of upper and middle school students in the Norfolk Academy chapel.
``We're doing pretty well,'' said Stan Taylor, D.A.'s father. ``If it were not for the support of the Norfolk Academy family and friends, it would be pretty rough. . . .
``I can't put into words how I feel about the support that people have shown. It gives us the strength to continue knowing that so many people care.''
The decision to amputate was made Wednesday after Taylor lost blood flow to his feet.
``He's still got a long road,'' Stan Taylor said. ``As far as his state of consciousness, he opens his eyes and focuses on different people in the room. He appears to know what's going on when you're talking to him.
``I wish there was a way that I could thank all the people who've been here. It does my heart and my family's heart good to see so many people support him like that. We'll make it work.''
Damien Taylor, D.A.'s older brother, has continued to run track for Norfolk Academy through the family's ordeal. He was the most valuable performer at last weekend's Virginia Prep League indoor meet and qualified for the high school nationals in Syracuse in the 55- and 300-meter runs. But because of his brother's illness, he won't be going.
``I don't think anyone can take it and feel good about it,'' Norfolk Academy track coach Ken Lampert said. ``But he's just like his parents and has shown a tremendous amount of faith. He's going on and getting things done.''
Meningococcal disease is caused by a particularly virulent bacteria. Those infected develop either an inflammation of the lining of the brain, or, as in Taylor's case, a massive blood infection. The bacteria's assault releases toxins that can cause the blood to clot throughout the body. The clots may cut off blood flow and kill tissue, which would have to be amputated.
It was originally thought by health officials that Taylor contracted the disease at a Feb. 11 track meet in Alexandria. A Northern Virginia student attending the meet died from the infection.
``They can't pinpoint when, where or how it happened,'' Stan Taylor said. ``It could be coincidental that a girl from a track meet he attended died of this before he was diagnosed.''
After the cases were reported, the state health department recommended that several hundred students who attended take a round of antibiotics, primarily to prevent transmission of the disease and further outbreaks.
Norfolk Academy, the only school from South Hampton Roads at the meet, sent 28 students.
No new cases of the disease have been reported since Taylor became sick, and Taylor's is apparently the only case in Hampton Roads, said Suzanne Jenkins, assistant state epidemiologist. Officials say any new cases are unlikely, because infections usually show up within 10 days of contact with the bacteria.
Although outbreaks are rare, the meningococcal bacteria is surprisingly common, Jenkins said. At this time of year, about 25 percent of people are carrying it in the backs of their noses; during an outbreak, it may lurk in as much as half of the population. But few people ever get sick from it. For reasons that doctors don't understand, only a small portion of the population is susceptible to the germ, she said.
``It's a hard issue to deal with,'' said Rob Cooke, a senior who played with Taylor on the Bulldogs' football, basketball and lacrosse teams. ``We've all been asking ourselves why. He wasn't out being reckless or anything. It's just one of those freaky things. I'm just glad he's going to live.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
D.A. Taylor
by CNB