During a significant increase of 55% in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to conduct genomic sequencing of samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. Officials in Mumbai announced the decision to perform genomic sequencing on select samples to detect any genetic changes in the virus amidst the 55% rise in chikungunya cases compared to the previous year. The health department clarified that rare symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems, although unusual, are not new but could manifest in cases where a chikungunya patient also has a co-infection of dengue or Japanese encephalitis. A rapid action team has been established by the state to investigate the reasons behind the increase in chikungunya incidents and has issued guidelines for officials on collecting samples for further analysis at the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. The guidelines stipulate collecting blood samples from patients showing neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation for closer examination. The goal is to investigate the presence of any other neurotropic virus in chikungunya patients through genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College emphasized that genomic sequencing would be instrumental in identifying any mutations in the virus.He stated that sequencing will be done promptly upon receiving sufficient samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms. Doctors from private hospitals in the city noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization for up to 10 to 15 days due to high fever and neurological complications. Children have also been affected, including an eight-month-old boy admitted to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, pediatrician Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi mentioned that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, which is a well-documented characteristic of the disease.