Amid a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department plans to conduct genomic sequencing of samples to detect potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. The state health officials in Mumbai have announced their decision to perform genomic sequencing on certain positive samples to check for genetic mutations in light of the nearly 55% rise in chikungunya cases this year compared to the previous year. Additionally, they clarified that rare symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems are not new but are very uncommon. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, Joint Director of the vector control program, stated that these symptoms may occur when a chikungunya patient also has dengue or Japanese encephalitis. A rapid action team has been established to investigate the reasons behind the increase in chikungunya cases, which have risen from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 thus far. Guidelines have been issued for officials at civic and taluka levels regarding the samples to be sent for further analysis at the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. The team recommends collecting and sending two blood samples from patients exhibiting neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation for analysis in Pune. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College mentioned that genomic sequencing will help identify any mutations present."Initiate sequencing once we have sufficient samples, particularly from ICU patients or those with severe symptoms," stated the specialist. Private hospitals in the city reported a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, requiring hospitalization for some patients who experienced prolonged fever for 10 to 15 days along with neurological complications. The pediatric population has also been affected, with even an eight-month-old boy being 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, highlighted that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, which is a known characteristic of the disease.