News VIDEO: Mutant Mosquitoes Fight Dengue Fever In Cayman Islands. Health authorities have taken the lead in the fight against dengue fever not with vaccines but rather with mosquitoes.

Scientists have released genetically modified mosquitoes in an experiment to fight dengue fever in the Cayman Islands, British experts said Thursday.

It is the first time genetically altered mosquitoes have been set loose in the wild, and comes after years of laboratory experiments and hypothetical calculations. But while scientists believe the trial could lead to a breakthrough in stopping the disease, critics argue the mutant mosquitoes might wreak havoc on the environment.

"This test in the Cayman Islands could be a big step forward," said Andrew Read, a professor of biology and entomology at Pennsylvania State University, who was not involved in the project.

"Anything that could selectively remove insects transmitting really nasty diseases would be very helpful," he said. Go here to read more. Go here for video.