A man and a woman have been diagnosed with New York City’s first cases of West Nile Virus of the season.

The victims were a 73-year-old Queens woman and a 60-year-old man from the Bronx. Both got sick in July and were hospitalized in August with brain swelling.

Health officials say more mosquitoes have been testing positive for the virus this year. The disease can be fatal. Last year, 18 new Yorkers got the virus. Three died.

New Yorkers are urged to use insect repellent containing DEET, wear protective clothing, make sure windows have screens and get rid of any standing water.

(Source: 1010WINS / NY1)