In the midst of a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department plans to conduct genomic sequencing of samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. The health officials in Mumbai have noted the considerable rise in chikungunya viral fever cases compared to the previous year and will be analyzing select positive samples for genetic variations in the virus. According to Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, joint director of the vector control program, these symptoms could manifest when a chikungunya patient is also infected with dengue or Japanese encephalitis. The state has formed a rapid action team to investigate the reasons behind the surge in chikungunya cases and to provide guidance to local officials on sample submission for further analysis at institutes in Pune. The team has recommended collecting blood samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms for genomic sequencing to explore the presence of other neurotropic viruses. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College highlighted the importance of genomic sequencing in identifying any mutations."Initiate the sequencing process once we receive sufficient samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or experiencing severe symptoms," he stated. Doctors in private hospitals in the city noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with patients requiring hospitalization for 10 to 15 days to manage high fever and neurological complications. Children are also being affected this year, as evidenced by the admission of an eight-month-old boy to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi, a pediatrician, mentioned that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom. "Nevertheless, hyperpigmentation is a widely recognized symptom of chikungunya," he emphasized.