HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Test results April 21 identified two probable cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome here, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two retired Air Force officers, who recently returned to Utah from a trip to Asia, have now recovered from the symptoms.

However, officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) said that further testing was needed to confirm whether the individuals had contracted SARS.

One patient was seen at the clinic here, and the other was seen off base, according to Col. (Dr.) Charles Williams, 75th Medical Group commander.

"One patient came to us March 24 with recovering upper respiratory symptoms," said Maj. (Dr.) Melinda Screws, the treating physician. "We got in touch with Davis County Public Health Department, and tests were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the CDC's low suspicion due to the absence of fever, we monitored the patient for SARS. The tests for SARS are new and unfortunately the results take a while."

The second patient was directly handled through the Davis County Public Health Department without incident, and continued to recover.

Both patients are now fully recovered, in good health and have returned to work. No one living with the patients has been infected, and no new suspected cases of SARS have been reported from their contacts. Any new cases would probably come from abroad rather than stem from Hill AFB, said Screws.

"There is no risk of spread at Hill AFB or the surrounding community," said Williams, who praised the clinic and laboratory staff for their vigilance since the outset of SARS worldwide.

SARS is a new disease that has recently been reported in Asia, North America and Europe. According to CDC officials, as of April 13 about 190 probable cases of SARS had been reported in the United States.

Anyone returning to Hill AFB from high-risk SARS endemic areas (such as in some Asian countries), and suffering from upper respiratory symptoms, will be screened as part of a routine approach to the prevention of the spread of SARS in Utah, Williams said.

SARS signs include a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, headaches, an overall feeling of discomfort and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms, overall closely mimicking other respiratory infections, including the flu, said Williams.

People traveling abroad should be cautious, avoid close contact with known SARS patients, and wash their hands frequently, said officials. Anyone with the symptoms of SARS should consult their primary care physician and report any travel to SARS-related areas, or contact with anyone who has displayed symptoms of SARS, Screws said.

Those who have had direct, close contact with an infected person or health-care workers who did not use infection control procedures while treating SARS are at the greatest risk, said Screws.

CDC officials say there is no indication of "community spread" at this time, but President Bush signed an executive order April 4 revising the list of quarantinable communicable diseases to include SARS.

The patient evaluated at Hill AFB was not quarantined or retained because the acute infectious phase of the illness was suffered overseas and the patient went to medical officials during the recovery phase, said Screws.

"When the patient came to us there was no more signs of fever, and the patient was feeling better," said Screws. "But, as a precaution and due to our suspicions, we used universal precautions like gloves, masks and temporary isolation."

For more information on SARS, visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov or contact a primary care physician.