Amid a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department plans to conduct genomic sequencing of samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have been reported. The surge in chikungunya cases has prompted the health department to initiate genomic sequencing of positive samples to investigate any genetic changes in the virus. Health officials clarified that rare symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems are not entirely new but are infrequent. These symptoms may manifest when a chikungunya patient is also infected with dengue or Japanese encephalitis. A rapid action team has been formed to analyze the reasons behind the rise in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 so far. Guidelines have been issued for officials at the civic and taluka levels on sending samples for further analysis to 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 for further investigation. Genomic sequencing will be crucial to identifying any mutations in the virus."We will initiate sequencing promptly after receiving enough samples, especially from critically ill patients or those with severe symptoms," he stated. Medical professionals at private hospitals in the city have noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, resulting in some patients requiring hospitalization to manage prolonged high fever and neurological complications for 10 to 15 days. There has been a rise in affected children 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, mentioned that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom. He clarified that hyperpigmentation is a well-documented symptom of chikungunya.