The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Wednesday afternoon the second death in Kansas of a person infected with the H1N1 influenza virus.

The death occurred in a 6-year-old child from southeast Kansas. The illness was confirmed as H1N1 flu at the state public health laboratory on Aug. 25, and the child’s death was reported to KDHE on Sept. 3.

“We know that this virus infects children at a higher rate than adults and today’s sad news makes that point painfully clear,” said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, state health officer. “While the majority of people experience mild illness, this child’s tragic death reminds all of us of the importance of working towards preventing further spread and receiving the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.”

The first Kansas death was reported by KDHE on Aug. 6 — a middle-aged Sedgwick County resident who already suffered from a chronic medical condition made worse by the virus.

The H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, has been confirmed in 53 Kansas counties.