This directed case study explores the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus and its impact on human health. The case is based on a true story of a woman who fell ill after eating raw oysters while visiting family in New Orleans during the month of August. Part I provides the setting for the case and describes the initial signs of Rebecca’s illness. Part II describes her signs and symptoms upon her arrival at the hospital and laboratory results. From this information, students should be able to determine a differential diagnosis for Rebecca. Part III reveals the cause of illness, discusses the biology and pathogenesis of the organism, and describes treatment. Part IV introduces students to the public health aspects of the disease. Part V discusses a connection to the larger ecological picture and concludes the case.  Developed for a one-semester, introduction to medical microbiology course for pre-nursing and allied health majors, the case would also be appropriate in a general microbiology or immunology course. It requires that students have some existing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, and prokaryote structure, growth, and metabolism.