Some fear the move could fail to prevent the spread of the disease, and possibly have unintended consequences.

Between 2,000 and 3,000 modified male Aedes aegypti mosquitos are slated to be released in two Malaysian states during October.

They have been engineered so that their offspring die quickly, hopefully curbing the growth of the mosquito population.

It’s hoped a massive release could entirely eradicate the dengue mosquito if the test project works.

In February, U.S. and British researchers announced they were genetically altering mosquitos so they cannot fly in a groundbreaking effort to combat the insect’s ability to spread dengue fever.

When the genetically altered male mosquitos mate, they create female offspring that inherit a gene that limits wing growth, eliminating their ability to fly.

As the flightless females eventually die, the surviving male offspring would continue to breed more lame females through future generations.

Females of the species are responsible for spreading dengue, which has killed 100 people in Malaysia so far this year.

Photo: CDC