Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is calling for greater international cooperation for vaccine development against mosquito-borne West Nile virus following what he described as a “harrowing experience” with infection this summer.

A woman in her 60s was exposed to the mosquito-borne illness in Middlesex County, and a woman in her 70s was probably exposed while out-of-state, officials said.

Although mosquitos might not be flying around right now, West Nile virus peaks at the end of the summer and early fall. Spread through mosquito bites, symptoms can range from a mild headache to disorientation.

Two women who’ve contracted West Nile virus have brought the total number of cases in Massachusetts to 15 this year, officials announced Friday afternoon. One woman is in her 60s, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said. She was most likely exposed in Middlesex County.

There remains only one recorded case of Eastern equine encephalitis, the rare but potentially deadly disease known as EEE, first reported last month.

Health and environmental officials in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are reminding people to keep protecting themselves from mosquito bites, as the risk of transmitted diseases remains.

Since Aug. 7, 16 Suffolk residents have tested positive for West Nile, the second highest number of human cases in a single year since the county began reporting cases in 2000, the county said.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reporting that two women have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus in Massachusetts.

TWO MORE PEOPLE HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS IN MASSACHUSETTS. STATE HEALTH LEADERS SAY IT’S TWO WOMEN IN THEIR 60S AND 70S. ONE WAS EXPOSED IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY, THE OTHER OUT OF STATE. IT BRINGS THIS YEAR’S TOTAL CASE Two additional human cases of West Nile virus were reported Friday by Massachusetts health officials,