GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Kent County Health Department officials report a second person has died in West Michigan after contracting West Nile virus.

The elderly male lived in Kent County, however it's not clear when he became ill.  No further information on this case is available.

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Daily updates on West Nile Virus cases reported statewide can be found here:

The KCHD continues to recommend the following steps to protect yourself and your family from the West Nile Virus:

• Use insect repellent when outdoors. Apply repellent to clothing and exposed skin, and follow directions on the product label.
• Don't apply repellent under clothing, or on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. You should not apply repellent around the eyes or mouth, and if using spray, apply spray to your hands first, and then apply to face.
• Repellent should not be used on infants under 2 months old at all. KCHD recommends putting netting over the infant's stroller. DEET-containing products should be avoided for children 24 months of age or younger, and those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not to be used on children under three years of age.
• When using repellent on children, put it on your hands first, then on the child. Children tend to put their hands in or near their mouths, so don't apply repellent to a child's hands.
• After you and your children get back indoors, wash off the repellent with soap and water, and wash treated clothing before wearing again.
• At home, be sure you are not making it easy for mosquitoes to breed. Make sure to eliminate any standing water. Twice a week, empty water from birdbaths, flower pots, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans. Make sure rain gutters are clear of debris. Throw out old tires and other items that could collect water.
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are likely to thrive, such as wooded lots or swampy land.