The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - A person living in western Kentucky has been diagnosed with the state's second case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) , state health officials said Friday.

The patient had "recently traveled in one of the affected areas of the world that's been designated by the CDC," said Gil Lawson, a spokesman for the Cabinet for Health Services.

Health officials will not release the patient's name, age or sex, because of patient confidentiality concerns, Lawson said.

The newest Kentucky SARS patient is recovering at home in good condition, and is not considered a threat to others, officials said in statement. However, the person was hospitalized for several days in isolation.

Health officials confirmed the state's first case of the virus last week. That patient, who lives in central Kentucky, did not require hospitalization or medication.

At first, the latest case did not meet the definition for a suspected SARS case. However, the person qualified after the Centers for Disease Control amended its definition of a suspected SARS case March 29 to include "transit through an airport in an area with reported community transmission of SARS," according to a statement.

SARS symptoms include dry cough, fever more than 100 degrees, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing after Feb. 1. Possible patients also must have either traveled to, or been in contact with, someone who has traveled to countries where the illness has already been found, including China, Vietnam and Singapore.

Worldwide, at least 172 people have died from SARS and more than 3,000 have been infected.

"Many people are worried about this disease because it is new and can be serious," Public Health Commissioner Dr. Rice Leach said in a statement. "While that is certainly understandable, it is important to keep in mind that there are still very few cases in the United States when you consider all the world travelers that come through this country."