The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed two deaths linked to cases of the West Nile virus.

Officials say that the two people who died were older adults from Cumberland and Mercer counties.

The department says there have been eight cases of human West Nile virus overall. “Seven out of the eight cases were hospitalized with neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or meningitis (swelling of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord),” officials wrote in a statement.

All of the cases have been in adults above the age of 50, according to officials.

“All New Jerseyans should be aware of the potential significant impacts from mosquito-borne illnesses, especially West Nile virus and Eastern Equine encephalitis. The best way to prevent these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, protective clothing or gear, and avoiding peak mosquito hours,” Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston wrote in a statement.

The Health Department says that New Jersey residents should also do their part to reduce the mosquito population by emptying or changing any outdoor standing water.