During a notable 55% increase in chikungunya cases, the health department is planning to conduct genomic sequencing on samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. In response to the nearly 55% surge in chikungunya viral fever cases this year compared to the previous year, health authorities intend to perform genomic sequencing on certain positive samples to detect any genetic alterations in the virus. State health officials clarified that the emergence of unusual symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological problems (brain or heart tissue swelling) is not truly novel but rather exceptionally rare. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, Joint Director of the Vector Control Programme, explained that these symptoms may manifest in chikungunya patients with concurrent dengue or Japanese encephalitis infections, as outlined in guidelines released by the Central government last year. An upsurge in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 has prompted the state to establish a rapid action team to investigate contributing factors. This team has issued directives to local officials on sample collection and analysis at the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. Specifically, guidelines suggest sending two blood samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation for closer examination to ascertain the potential presence of neurotropic viruses and conduct genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College emphasized the significance of genomic sequencing in identifying possible mutations."The doctor emphasized the importance of sequencing samples promptly once we receive enough, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or those experiencing severe symptoms. Private sector hospital doctors in the city noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to address their prolonged high fever for 10 to 15 days, along with neurological issues. This year, children have also been notably affected, 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, highlighted that children born to mothers who tested positive for chikungunya exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom. He underscored that hyperpigmentation is a well-documented chikungunya symptom."