Florida Cleared To Release Genetically Modified Mosquitoes In Zika Fight

"US Food and Drug Administration finds ‘no significant’ environmental impact of experimental release of insects after 15 Zika infections were reported in Miami".

"A release of genetically engineered mosquitoes that it is hoped could help combat the spread of the Zika virus has been approved in Florida by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On Thursday, Florida officials said the same species of mosquito had transmitted 15 Zika infections in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, the first cases to be caused by mosquitoes in the mainland US.

Hadyn Parry, chief executive of Oxitec, the company that created the genetically altered insects, said he was 'really pleased' by the FDA approval of the experimental release, and called on authorities to grant Oxitec emergency authorization to release the insects in Miami as a control measure."

Jessica Glenza reports for the Guardian August 5, 2016.