More than a dozen cases of Enterovirus D68 have been confirmed in New York state , according to officials . `` EV-D68 is causing cases of severe respiratory illness ... sometimes resulting in hospitalization , especially among children with asthma , '' the NYS Department of Health said in a statement Friday . Enteroviruses are quite common in September ; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 10 to 15 million people are infected by these viruses each year . But doctors believe this particular type of enterovirus , Enterovirus D68 , is causing more serious problems than others have in years past . As of September 11 , more than 80 cases in six other states -- Colorado , Illinois , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky and Missouri -- have been confirmed to be EV-D68 , according to the CDC . New York is the first state in the Northeast with confirmed cases . On Thursday , media reports of kids flooding ERs in Alabama and Washington state spoke to the spread of the virus . Other states , including Michigan , Georgia , Ohio , Oklahoma , and Utah , are also investigating clusters of respiratory illnesses . Several have sent samples to the CDC for testing . New York sent additional samples from patients with severe respiratory illness to the CDC for confirmation of Enterovirus D68 . The virus is hard to track , as so many enteroviruses cause similar symptoms , and hospitals generally do not test for specific types . Enteroviruses usually present like the common cold ; symptoms include sneezing , a runny nose and a cough . Most people recover without any treatment . But if your child appears to be having trouble breathing , take him or her to a doctor right away . `` It is important that we follow common sense rules to prevent the spread of this virus , as we do for flu and other contagious illnesses , '' said New York acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker . `` Because there is no specific treatment or vaccination against this virus , our best defense is to prevent it by practicing proper hygiene . '' What parents should know .
New York State Department of Health confirms cases of Enterovirus D68 . Enterovirus D68 seems to be causing breathing problems for children with asthma . Colorado , Illinois , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky and Missouri also have confirmed cases .