Abstract
This interrupted case study tells the story of “Emily,” a recent college graduate who has taken a gap year to follow her dream of becoming a pediatric doctor. As part of her post-graduate activities, she goes on a one-month humanitarian trip to Somalia. On her long return flight to the United States, Emily develops various symptoms and experiences several bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Students are given signs, symptoms, and medical data to determine that Emily has contracted cholera (Vibrio cholerae). Originally designed for use in a one-semester animal physiology course taken mainly by sophomore and junior science majors, the case gives students an opportunity to apply previously acquired knowledge of the role of the CFTR channel in fluid secretion and the role of cAMP as a second messenger. The case could also be used in a general biology course or a nursing anatomy and physiology course as long as students have this background knowledge and are familiar with stroke volume and lab tests.