On Tuesday, the Florida Keys voted in favor of a field trial to introduce genetically modified mosquitoes in Key Haven to limit the spread of the Zika virus, according to Fusion.
The ballot measure was approved by more than 57 percent of the Key's 40,000 voters, but among residents of Key Haven — where the modified mosquitoes will be deployed — 65 percent voted against the measure.
The genetically altered mosquitoes developed by British biotech company Oxitec, feature a 'self-limiting gene' that is passed through breeding and kills the insect's offspring.
The referendum is non-binding, which means it still requires approval from commissioners on the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board, which is scheduled to meet later this month.
As of Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health has reported 1,137 cases of Zika in the state, 135 of which involve pregnant women.
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Puerto Rico identifies first case of Zika-related microcephaly