The sixth case of the West Nile virus in Mississippi has been reported in Rankin County, the state Department of Health said Friday.

Previous West Nile cases were reported in Jones, Walthall, Lawrence, Scott and Madison counties.

One death has been recorded this year — in Madison County.

In 2006, a record 14 Mississippians died of complications from infection of the West Nile virus.

West Nile virus is most prevalent in midsummer to late summer but can occur throughout the year.

Symptoms of the infection often are mild and flulike and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting or a rash, health officials say.

The Health Department encourages residents to take precautions such as removing sources of standing water and avoiding mosquito-prone areas.