State health officials say a respiratory virus that first appeared in the Midwest could now be in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Public Heath says two hospitals have reported cases of severe respiratory illness among children that could be due to the enterovirus D-68. Doctors say the illness can mimic a cold.

The state says they are working with the hospitals in question and the Centers for Disease Control to test current patients. They say they are waiting for final test results to confirm their suspicions.

The CDC says there have been nearly 100 cases confirmed in the Midwest. Connecticut health officials say the virus mainly affects kids with asthma.

Dr. Kyle Custis says most cases of the virus are mild. He says parents should monitor their child's symptoms before rushing to the hospital. If a child is coughing, wheezing and struggling to breathe, then they should be taken to the hospital.

Dr. Custis recommends that kids eat right, wash their hands and get enough sleep in order to avoid the virus. He also encourages parents to disinfect surfaces.

There have been 12 cases of the virus in central New York.