HOUSTON -- Two more people have died from heat-related illnesses, bringing the total number of victims to three in the Houston area this summer, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

Carlos Reinoso Elias, 42, collapsed in a parking lot on Highway 6 near Bellaire Boulevard after attending a carnival. He was taken to West Houston Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The medical examiner listed Elias' primary cause of death as heat exposure. A secondary cause was cirrhosis of the liver.

"People with chronic health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, heart and respiratory issues are going to be extremely susceptible to heat illness," said Kathy Barton of the Houston Health Department.

Wilma Dean White, 77, was found dead in her home in the 3200 block of Prospect St. on Friday.

The medical examiner said White died from the heat and other underlying health conditions.

Neighbors said White grew up in the country and preferred not to use her air conditioner.

"For the elderly person, they may not even recognize that they are in trouble," Barton said.

Barton said Houstonians should spend at least part of the day in air conditioning.

"A few hours in the afternoon is enough to save your life," she said.

Herbert Wayne Gaston, 56, was found dead on June 15 inside the house he shared with his brother on Cadillac Street near Daphne Street in southeast Houston. His brother, Charles Gaston, said the air conditioning went out the day before.

The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office said Herbert Gaston died from the heat and from underlying health problems. His brother said he had heart problems.