You’re at the beach for a day of fun, playing in the waves, when suddenly you experience a stinging sensation followed by redness and swelling. Chances are you’ve been stung by a jellyfish. These stings can range from mild to fatal for humans, depending on the species involved and how much skin is exposed to the venom, according to the Blue Ridge Poison Center at the University of Virginia Health System. There are more than 200 jellyfish species worldwide. Fortunately, species found at beaches on the U.S. East Coast are much less toxic. Other symptoms include throbbing and shooting pain, and blistering or a raised rash at the site of the sting. Occasionally, a victim may experience more serious symptoms that may require medical care. Full story.

U.Va. Health System

University of Virginia faculty and staff can once again show their community how much they care by joining area volunteers from local businesses and organizations for the 15th annual United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring on Sept. 20. This team effort serves the community in meaningful ways on a wide variety of projects at local nonprofit organizations and public schools — from clerical assistance, to working with children and seniors, to painting, landscaping and construction. Last year, more than 690 of nearly 2,000 volunteers were U.Va. employees who worked at 86 out of 200 project sites in the Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson communities. Full story.

Community Relations/Photo: Andrew Shurtleff