New York is the latest state to confirm cases of a severe respiratory illness among children.
The health department says there are more than a dozen children infected so far with enterovirus EV-D68.
Federal health officials have said it's an uncommon strain in a common family of viruses that cause infections from late summer into the fall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this year's outbreak is unusually severe and includes serious breathing problems. The virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms that last about a week. Most children recover without lasting problems.
There is no vaccination. Prevention involves hand-washing, disinfecting surfaces and any usual steps to prevent the spread of flu.
First identified in California in 1962, EV-D68has been rare in the U.S. The CDC says it has confirmed cases in six other states as of Friday.
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