The Arkansas Department of Health says a second person has died from West Nile virus in the state.

Public Health Veterinarian Susan Weinstein said Friday officials found out about the death on Thursday, but it took time to confirm and document it.

The agency reported Arkansas' first West Nile virus death on Wednesday. At that point, at least 15 cases of the mosquito-borne virus had been reported in Arkansas this year.

Weinstein says state health officials are urging residents to practice prevention.

Officials are encouraging people to wear insect repellant and to not keep standing water outside, which attracts mosquitoes.