During a significant 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department intends to perform genomic sequencing on samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological complications have surfaced. The rise in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 has prompted the state health officials to analyze the situation. A rapid action team has been established to investigate the reasons behind this increase and guidelines have been issued for collecting samples for further analysis. Specifically, patients showing neurological symptoms should have blood samples sent to research institutes for genomic sequencing to investigate the possibility of other viruses. This initiative aims to better understand any mutations in the chikungunya virus."The sequencing will be prioritized once we receive sufficient samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or those with severe symptoms," he stated. Medical professionals at private hospitals in the city noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to manage their high fever for up to 15 days and dealing with neurological complications. Children have also been impacted this year, such as an eight-month-old boy who was admitted 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 mothers who tested positive for chikungunya may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom. However, he emphasized that hyperpigmentation is a commonly reported symptom of chikungunya."