RICHMOND — Virginia health officials have confirmed the state’s first two cases of swine flu and said both of the adult patients already have recovered from their illnesses.

Both patients — an adult male from Eastern Virginia and an adult female from Central Virginia — suffered minor illnesses after traveling to Mexico, Gov. Tim Kaine told reporters Thursday night. Neither patient is a student and neither required hospitalization.

Kaine and health officials refused to provide specific information about the patients or where they live, citing privacy concerns. Kaine said both patients were aware of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and contacted physicians after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

“We appreciate the fact that they cooperated very carefully with local health authorities,” Kaine said. Kaine said the state expects to see additional cases of the virus, citing the size of the state’s population, seasonal travel patterns and how easily the virus spreads.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley issued a public health emergency declaration earlier this week, and health officials have opened a command center to track reports of flu-like illnesses from all hospitals and health providers in the state.

The Virginia Department of Health also has established an information line at (877) 275-8343 to answer questions about the virus.