State health officials say six mosquito samples in South Georgia have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Georgia Department of Public Health south district officials say mosquitoes in Lowndes County were tested for the virus last week.

Authorities are encouraging people to dispose of items containing standing water near their homes. Officials say stocking decorative ponds with mosquito-eating fish, keeping swimming pools covered, cleaning gutters and using insect repellant are other preventative measures.

Tags: Lowndes County, mosquitoes, West Nile Virus