Given the 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to perform genomic sequencing on samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. In response to the significant rise in chikungunya cases this year compared to last year, the health department in Mumbai intends to conduct genomic sequencing on certain positive samples to investigate any genetic changes in the virus. In a recent announcement by state health officials, it was clarified that rare symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological complications (swelling in the brain or heart tissues) are not novel but are exceptionally rare occurrences. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, Joint Director of the Vector Control Program, mentioned that these symptoms may manifest in chikungunya patients who are also infected with dengue or Japanese encephalitis. These symptoms were previously outlined in guidelines published by the Central government last year. In response to the spike in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024, the state has established a rapid action team to investigate the underlying causes. The team has issued directives for officials at the municipal and taluka levels on the collection and submission of samples to both the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune for further examination. According to the guidelines, two blood samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation should be gathered and sent to the institutes in Pune for analysis. A senior state official mentioned that the objective is to detect any other neurotropic viruses in chikungunya patients and to conduct genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College emphasized that genomic sequencing will aid in identifying potential mutations."We will start sequencing as soon as we receive enough samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms," stated a medical professional. Private hospitals in the city reported a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization for up to 10 to 15 days to manage their prolonged high fever and neurological complications. Children have also been heavily impacted this year, 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, noted that children born to mothers positive for chikungunya may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom. He added, "Hyperpigmentation is a known symptom of chikungunya."