During a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to conduct genomic sequencing of samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. In response to the significant rise in chikungunya cases this year compared to the previous year, state health authorities will perform genomic sequencing on select positive samples to investigate any genetic changes in the virus. State health officials confirmed that rare symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological problems, though not new, are exceptionally uncommon. Joint director Dr. Mahendra Jagtap explained that these symptoms may be present when a chikungunya patient is co-infected with dengue or Japanese encephalitis. These symptoms were also outlined in the guidelines released by the Central health authorities last year. To address the surge in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024, the state has formed a rapid action team. This team has provided instructions for local officials to send specific patient samples to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune for further analysis. Guidelines dictate that blood samples should be collected from patients displaying neurological symptoms such as paralysis and hyperpigmentation, and sent to the Pune institutes for examination. The objective is to identify any other neurotropic viruses present in chikungunya patients and conduct genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College pointed out that genomic sequencing will help in identifying potential mutations."We will start sequencing as soon as we receive enough samples, especially from patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms," stated the doctor. Private sector doctors in the city reported a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to manage high fever for 10 to 15 days along with neurological complications. This year, children have also been notably affected by the disease. For instance, an eight-month-old boy was hospitalized at SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi, a pediatrician at Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, noted that children born to mothers who have tested positive for chikungunya may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom. He added, "Hyperpigmentation is a well-documented symptom of chikungunya."