INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana State Department of Health said Friday that the first two confirmed cases of West Nile virus of the season were confirmed this week.

One of the cases is in Marion County, and the other is in Allen County.

John Althardt, public relations coordinator of the Marion County Health Department, said the department has been performing tests on mosquitoes in the county for six months.

Central Indiana usually records human cases from late August through the end of the mosquito season, which generally happens at the first hard frost.

"While not surprising, these human cases serve to remind all of us that mosquitoes with the West Nile virus are active and we must remain vigilant in protecting ourselves," said Virginia A. Caine, director of MCHD.

Five people have died from West Nile virus in Marion County since 2002, with 52 human cases recorded.

Officials stressed that people should clean out clogged gutters, old tires, swimming pools, ponds and any other items that contain stagnant water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Health officials originally thought this season would be rife with mosquitoes, because of the wet spring. A dry August helped cut down the threat.

West Nile has been found in mosquitoes in 31 counties so far this year.