CDC: Severe respiratory illness now in 22 states, including Ga.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Health officials say 22 states now have confirmed cases of an unusual respiratory illness in children.<br /> <br /> An uncommon virus - enterovirus 68 - is causing the illnesses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said Friday that 160 lab-confirmed cases were reported in the 22 states. On Tuesday, the CDC's count was 130 cases in 12 states.<br /> <br /> The newest states are California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington.<br /> <br /> The virus can cause mild to severe illness, with the worst cases needing life support for breathing difficulties. Kids with asthma have been especially vulnerable. No deaths were reported.<br /> <br /> The strain is not new but rarely seen, and only a small number of labs can test for it. A spike in cases was first identified in mid-August.