The West Nile virus has claimed two lives in New Jersey this month - the first recorded death cases of the virus in the state this year.

According to Philly, a 78-year-old woman from Gloucester County died on August 24 after being hospitalized for fever, blurred vision, weakness and diarrhea. Another 92-year-old man from Morris County died Saturday after developing fever and muscle weakness.

Aside from the two death cases, there are four other reported cases of the West Nile virus in Camden County (2), Bergen County and Burlington County.

Huffington Post first reported about the West Nile virus this year last July, after it was detected in New York. According to the report, the infected mosquitoes were found in the Pomonok neighborhood in Queens and the Huguenot Beach neighborhood on Staten Island.

A recent report also confirms two mosquito pools positive for the West Nile virus in the town of Constantia and the town of New Haven.

The West Nile virus was first recorded in New York in the year 1999. According to CNN, the first cases involved West Nile encephalitis in the Bronx and Queens boroughs of New York City.

The number of cases of the West Nile virus was record high in the U.S. last year with over 5,674 reported cases across 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. There were also 286 death cases due to the virus.

The West Nile virus, spread through mosquitoes, can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) in less than 1% of the number of people infected, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 70% to 80% of people infected with the virus will not show any symptoms at all. About 1 out of 5 people infected will show symptoms like headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. There is no vaccine available yet to protect people against the virus.

However, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, residents can prevent West Nile virus through several precautionary measures, including using an approved insect repellent which contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3) or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535, eliminating any standing water, making sure window screens do not have tears or holes, cleaning and draining roof gutters and cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.