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.
More articles on the Zika virus:
Human antibody safeguards fetuses from Zika infection, mouse model reveals
Dengue vaccination may boost Zika transmission
Puerto Rico identifies first case of Zika-related microcephaly
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