They are referring to this book:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swarm_(Sch%C3%A4tzing_nove...

Hmm, so many similar interpretations, and I wonder why does nobody mention that this is exactly the plot start of that book, and then I find this one downvoted? Funny:) Or what am I missing?

In case anyone's wondering, this is a TV series:

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0808491