Two confirmed deaths in Kansas from West Nile virus and 45 cases statewide, including one in Ellis County.

There are other confirmed cases in western Kansas according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, including one each in Rush, Logan and Decatur counties.

Barton County reports six cases of West Nile virus and Sherman County has two cases. A second West Nile death in Reno County was reported on Thursday.

West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes.

Cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months.  In 2012, 57 cases of West Nile virus were reported in Kansas.