Michigan has 3 confirmed cases of severe illness

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Federal health officials have confirmed three Michigan cases of an unusual respiratory illness in children.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said Friday that 160 lab-confirmed cases of enterovirus 68 were reported in Michigan and 21 other states. They are the state's first positive cases for the uncommon virus.

The Michigan Department of Community Health said Friday it has received the testing results from a CDC laboratory. The state department says it has seen an increase in severe respiratory illness in children and expects additional cases will be confirmed.

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 have been reported.