Amid a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department plans to conduct genetic sequencing on samples to detect possible mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced.

MUMBAI: With a nearly 55% surge in cases of chikungunya viral fever this year compared to last year, the health department aims to conduct genetic sequencing on select positive samples to identify any genetic changes in the virus. In a statement released on Tuesday, state health officials also clarified that supposedly new symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems (swelling in the brain or heart tissues) are not entirely new but extremely rare occurrences.

According to Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, Joint Director of the vector control program, "These symptoms could manifest when a chikungunya patient is also co-infected with dengue or Japanese encephalitis," These symptoms were outlined in the guidelines published by the Center last year.

Moreover, the state has established a rapid response team to investigate the reasons behind the increase in chikungunya cases from 1,702 cases in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 thus far. In Greater Mumbai, chikungunya cases have escalated from double digits to 256 as of September 7.

The rapid response team, which convened for the first time a few days ago, has issued guidelines for officials at the civic and taluka levels regarding the collection and analysis of samples to be sent to both the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune.

In accordance with the guidelines, officials are to collect and send two blood samples from patients exhibiting neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation (black spots on the skin, particularly around the mouth or nose) to the Pune institutes for further examination. A senior state official noted, "The objective is to investigate the presence of any other neurotropic virus in chikungunya patients through genomic sequencing."

Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College stressed the importance of genomic sequencing in identifying potential mutations. "This process allows us to determine if there are any mutations.""We will prioritize sequencing once we receive sufficient samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms," stated a doctor. Private sector hospital physicians noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization due to prolonged high fever and neurological issues. There has been a rise in affected children this year, such as an eight-month-old boy admitted to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, pediatrician Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi observed hyperpigmentation in children born to chikungunya-positive mothers, a known symptom of the disease.