A Croatian town, also very popular with Slovenes, is facing a severe outbreak of the disease, with more people in hospital

A coastal Croatian town popular with Slovenian visitors is grappling with a severe outbreak of illness, with multiple residents hospitalized due to a suspected salmonella infection. The situation has raised alarm among local health officials and medical professionals, who have confirmed more than 30 cases within just two weeks. Most patients are recovering at home with mild symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, and diarrhea, though three individuals required hospitalization, including two children. Health workers say young children are particularly vulnerable due to rapid dehydration caused by severe gastrointestinal distress. The outbreak has been traced back to a common food source, roasted pork, that all affected individuals consumed. This revelation challenges long-held assumptions about which foods pose the greatest risk of salmonella contamination. Typically, raw eggs, undercooked chicken, or contaminated dairy products are considered primary culprits. However, this incident highlights how improper handling during food preparation can lead to serious infections even with seemingly safe ingredients. Health experts emphasize that the real danger often lies not in the type of food itself, but in how it is handled before consumption. Many people believe thorough cooking eliminates all risks, but this is not always true. Salmonella bacteria can survive if food is not cooked to sufficient temperatures or if cross-contamination occurs during preparation. Common mistakes identified by healthcare professionals include using the same cutting board and knife for raw meat and then for vegetables or bread, which allows bacteria to transfer directly onto food that is later not heat-treated. Another frequent error is thawing raw meat at room temperature on kitchen countertops, creating optimal conditions for bacterial growth. Experts strongly recommend thawing meat in the refrigerator instead. Many still believe that washing raw poultry under running water before cooking is necessary, but this practice actually spreads bacteria through fine droplets into the surrounding environment. The only effective way to eliminate salmonella is through high cooking temperatures that kill the bacteria outright. To effectively prevent infections, health professionals advise strengthening the immune system through a balanced diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics, which support healthy gut flora. Maintaining basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and thoroughly cleaning kitchen surfaces, remains the strongest defense against invisible threats. Local health authorities continue to investigate the outbreak's origin, focusing on identifying specific food sources or preparation methods that might have contributed to the spread of salmonella. They are urging residents and tourists to remain vigilant about food safety practices and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with salmonella infection. Public health officials are also working to educate the community about proper food handling techniques to prevent future outbreaks. They stress the importance of following strict hygiene protocols in both domestic kitchens and public dining establishments. As the investigation continues, health authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to contain the outbreak and protect public health. Healthcare providers treating affected individuals are reporting that most patients show improvement after receiving adequate hydration and supportive care. However, the presence of two children among the hospitalized underscores the need for heightened awareness, especially among families preparing meals for young children. Ongoing efforts will focus on tracing the exact source of contamination and implementing preventive strategies to avoid similar incidents in the future.