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Central Virginia Health District reports increase in Pertussis cases among college students in Lynchburg

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Central Virginia Health District reports increase in Pertussis cases among college students in Lynchburg


LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ/VDH Release) – The Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) is informing students, faculty and staff of Liberty University, other colleges in the area, and the surrounding community at large of a recent increase in reported pertussis (commonly referred to as whooping cough).

CVHD staff is working with local healthcare providers to identify and treat potential cases. They say it is important that any ill individual stay away from others to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.

According to the CVHD, the majority of recently diagnosed cases have been previously vaccinated, but you can still get pertussis if you have been vaccinated. The effectiveness of the vaccine varies and may decrease over time. This does not mean you should not get the vaccine. The current vaccine prevents illness for the majority who receive it and it also helps to prevent severe respiratory illness, hospitalizations and/or death in infants and immune compromised or elderly individuals.

The CVHD says Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria spread through the air in droplets from sneezing or coughing. The illness typically begins with “cold-like” symptoms – runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and cough. Newly infected persons are most contagious during the first two weeks of illness when cold-like symptoms are present and continues to be contagious through the third week after the onset of cough. According to the CVHD, If left untreated, infected individuals may develop a more severe respiratory illness that includes coughing fits accompanied by difficulty breathing, gagging or vomiting, or a cough that is followed by a high pitched “whooping” noise as the person tries to catch his or her breath.

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The CVHD says experiencing pertussis symptoms should seek medical evaluation and avoid public or group settings. Anyone diagnosed and being treated for pertussis is reminded to take all medications as prescribed (typically 5-day course of antibiotics) and to stay at home and avoid group activities for the five days to avoid infecting others. The health department also recommends keeping infants and other high-risk individuals away from anyone with a respiratory like illness including those confirmed/suspected cases of pertussis.

According to the CVHD, the best way to prevent the spread of pertussis is by vaccinating all babies, children, teens and adults that are able to be vaccinated. Consult with a health care provider to see if another vaccine might be needed to protect against pertussis.

Like many other respiratory illnesses, including the common cold and flu, pertussis is spread by coughing and sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in bacteria.

Below are ways the CVHD says to prevent the spread of pertussis:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, you can cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

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• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have access to a sink with soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used.

• Do not share food, drinks, vaping products or anything that has come into contact with someone else’s saliva.

• If you’re ill, stay at home.



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West Virginia State Police searching for missing woman last seen in Kingwood

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West Virginia State Police searching for missing woman last seen in Kingwood


Shania Moser (WVSP Image)

KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia State Police are asking communities to keep an eye out for a missing woman last seen in Preston County.

According to a Facebook post by the WVSP, 29-year-old Shania Moser was last seen Thursday, March 26, at around 11 a.m. in the Albright Avenue area of Kingwood.

Moser is described in the post as having blonde hair and brown eyes, being 5′ 2″ tall, and was last seen wearing a purple hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and white Nike shoes.

At the time she was last seen she was driving a 2015 blue Ford Escape with a West Virginia registration reading 1G5016.

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Those who have any information on the whereabouts of Moser are urged to call the WVSP at 304-329-1101.



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West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Lotto America on March 28, 2026

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The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on March 28.

Winning Powerball numbers from March 28 drawing

11-42-43-59-61, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Lotto America numbers from March 28 drawing

15-29-30-32-35, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from March 28 drawing

0-7-1

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from March 28 drawing

2-7-3-5

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Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
  • Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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WRIC ABC 8News wins awards at AP Broadcasters awards for continuous coverage, special program

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WRIC ABC 8News wins awards at AP Broadcasters awards for continuous coverage, special program


RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — At Virginia’s Associated Press (AP) Broadcasters awards on Saturday, 8News received seven awards, including three first-place awards. Our team was recognized for our coverage on the Waverly Two and special programs during Black History Month.

On Saturday, March 28, 8News attended the 2026 Virginia AP Broadcasters Award, which recognizes broadcast news operations in Virginia and West Virginia.

News anchor Deanna Allbrittin and Digital Producer Ryan Nadeau were honored for their continuous coverage of the Waverly Two, two men who were found not guilty but were still sentenced to life in prison.

We were also awarded first place in the Best Special Stream category for “Riverfront Rhythm” and Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for “What is Black?“, a special program during Black History Month from 8New’s Lindsey West.

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Additionally, MaryCatherine Price received second place for Best Daily Stream for her podcast, “The Rundown.” It is a podcast that gives viewers an inside look into the newsroom.

Our Taking Action team was also a finalist for Best Multi-Platform Story for our continuous coverage of “Homeowner Horrors” throughout Central Virginia. We were also a finalist for Best News Promo on the “Richmond Tax Delinquency.”

Lastly, our very own Nolan Knight earned second place for Best Sports Anchor for his groundbreaking coverage on local sports in Virginia. He was also recognized at the 2025 AP Broadcast Awards for his coverage of Virginia sports.



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