Modified Mosquitoes May March on Florida This Spring, But Are They Welcome? [EXCLUSIVE]

The concern is that the Oxitec approach may drive a similar change, especially if it lowers Ae. aegypti population counts by 80 percent or more. The tiger mosquito - another common vector of Dengue - could simply move in, rendering the estimated $1.1 million the FKMCD is prepared to spend on a Keys-wide project (about as much as they currently spend on spraying) money ill-spent.

A Time and Place for Everything

And that's what Mier and her supporters are arguing most strongly.

"Here's the deal... [the Keys] had no Dengue for half a decade, and before that it was 27 years before we saw a case. Why are we even talking about this?" she asked. "Let them experiment elsewhere - where the benefits outweigh the risks."

Mier told us she understands how Oxitec can almost seem like a God-send in some countries that are struggling with dengue on epidemic levels.

She even described how she attempted to reach out to the Minister of Health in Panama when she first learned Oxitec was working to launch trials there. A fluent Spanish speaker, Mier had planned to ensure that the region knew of the risks. However, after speaking with a stunningly accommodating aid for the Minister, she quickly realized something.

"[The aid said] 'ma'am, our people are dying, our kids are dying. I can get you an appointment within a day if there is any way you can help us with Dengue.' And I said 'I'll call you back.'"

"I realized that they were so desperate that they were willing to try anything. And I realized that this was not my place to be," Mier added, her voice cracking with emotion. "I realized that, to be honest, this is a good thing for them, to get the help they need as soon as possible."

And that's a refreshing opinion in a world where most people view things in black and white.

[UPDATED] However the FKMCD sees things a little differently than Mier.

"We only get about 50 percent of eradication of the aegypti currently [from spraying], and that just not good enough," Beth Ranson, the Public Education and Information Officer for the district, explained to NWN over the phone. "If there is something out there that gets 90 percent or greater and can get rid of a disease vector alone (without impacting other mosquito/insect species), obviously it's our duty to look into that."

"A lot of our inspectors use this analogy," she added, "and I think it's perfect: 'You don't wait till your house is on fire to buy a fire extinguisher.' You may never use it, but you have it... and that's what's important."

For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).

- follow Brian on Twitter @BS_ButNoBS.