For the first time ever in America, doctors have managed to spot an outbreak of Salmonella which has been strongly linked to African dwarf frogs, which are generally petted by people and kept at home in aquariums.

As per information shard by the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak is "ongoing", with as many as 85 cases of the infection identified across 31 states by the time December end rolled in.

On previous occasions, the outbreak of Salmonella has been linked to other small pets, like turtles, but "this is a unique investigation. This is the first known outbreak of Salmonella due to contact with frogs -- especially African dwarf frogs", said CDC epidemiologist Shauna Mettee, co-author of the report detailing the outbreak.

The infection has mostly attacked children, Ms. Mettee has noted. "Half the cases were less than 5 [years of age] and almost 80 percent of all the cases were less than 10 years old. And we are continuing to see new cases", she said.

African dwarf frogs can be easily purchased from pet stores, and the authorities are now busy sounding warnings against petting them and exercising caution.

The report has been published in the January 8 issue of CDC's journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.