Small water frogs that are sold as pets have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak that occurred in children between 2008 and 2011, according to a study by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The study was based on 376 cases of Salmonella infections in children from 44 states. Some 69 of the 114 children in the study reported that they had been exposed to frogs.

Among the group of children who knew the frog type, some 79 percent reported African dwarf frogs (ADF), a type of aquatic frog.

"This was the first Salmonella outbreak associated with aquatic frogs, and in this case the frogs are often marketed as good pets for kids," said Shauna Mettee Zarecki, the study's lead author from the CDC in Atlanta, Reuters Health reports.

Salmonella outbreak is mostly associated with food. However, Zarecki told Reuters Health that reptiles and amphibians can also raise the risk of infection as these pets carry the disease-causing bacteria. Humans can come in contact with the bacteria after cleaning the pet-container or being exposed to contaminated water.

"Amphibians and reptiles should never be kept in homes with children less than 5 years old or with people who have immune deficiencies," said Zarecki, reports CNN.

Researchers added that medical practitioners should inquire about pets at home and inform parents about potential benefits and risks of pets.

The study is published in the journal Pediatrics