A second northeast Kansas resident has died from West Nile virus-related encephalitis and meningitis, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Thursday.

The death was the second this year in Kansas. A Johnson County resident died in July. The state also announced six more human cases, bringing the year’s total to 15.

New cases involved a 49-year-old from Barton County, a 31-year-old from Harvey County, a 78-year-old from Neosho County, a 77-year-old from Rush County and a 78-year-old Sedgwick County. They were all hospitalized. A 48-year-old from Rush County was not hospitalized.

West Nile virus can be spread by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds or animals. Health experts advise using insect repellent with DEET or picaridin and removing or frequently replacing standing water.

The latest death was a person older than 65, but KDHE didn’t release other details.