During a significant increase of 55% in chikungunya cases this year, the health department plans to conduct genomic sequencing on samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have been reported. The state health authorities in Mumbai have noted a nearly 55% surge in cases of chikungunya fever this year compared to the previous year and have thus decided to analyze selected positive samples for any genetic variations in the virus. They have also acknowledged that rare symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological complications, such as brain or heart tissue swelling, are not new but rather infrequent. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, Joint Director of the vector control program, explained that these symptoms may appear in chikungunya patients with concurrent infections of dengue or Japanese encephalitis. The state has formed a rapid action team to investigate the reasons behind the rise in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 so far. The team has provided guidelines to local officials for sending samples to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. The guidelines specify the collection and analysis of blood samples from patients with neurological symptoms such as paralysis and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College highlighted the importance of genomic sequencing for detecting mutations that may be present in the virus."Initiate sequencing promptly upon receiving sufficient samples, especially from patients in the intensive care unit or presenting severe symptoms," stated the medical professional. Healthcare providers at private hospitals in the city noted a significant rise in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to manage prolonged high fever and neurological complications for 10 to 15 days. Among the affected population, children have also been prominently impacted, as evidenced by the admission of an eight-month-old boy at SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, pediatrician Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi observed hyperpigmentation in children born to mothers who tested positive for chikungunya. He acknowledged that hyperpigmentation is a recognized symptom of the illness.