During a significant 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to conduct genetic sequencing of samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have been reported. The state of Maharashtra has witnessed a nearly 55% surge in chikungunya cases this year compared to last year. In response, health officials are set to carry out genomic sequencing on select positive samples to detect any genetic variations in the virus. An official statement clarified that the emergence of unusual symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological problems is not entirely new but rather rare. These symptoms may manifest in chikungunya patients with concurrent infections of dengue or Japanese encephalitis. To address the spike in chikungunya cases, a rapid action team has been established to investigate the root causes. Guidelines have been issued for officials at the municipal and taluka levels, instructing them to send specific blood samples displaying neurological symptoms to research institutions for further analysis. The team's objective is to explore the presence of other neurotropic viruses in chikungunya patients through genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College highlighted that genomic sequencing will provide insights into any potential mutations in the virus.Initiate the sequencing process promptly upon receiving sufficient samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms," he emphasized. Private sector doctors in the city noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization for up to 10 to 15 days due to high fever and neurological complications. This year, children have also been affected, as evidenced by the admission of an eight-month-old boy to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi, a pediatrician at Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, mentioned that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, which is a known characteristic of the disease.