Amid a substantial 55% increase 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 been reported. In response to the significant surge in chikungunya cases compared to last year, the health department in Mumbai intends to analyze samples for genetic mutations in the virus. Health officials emphasized that rare symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems are not entirely new but are highly uncommon occurrences. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, the joint director of the vector control program, stated that these symptoms may be present in chikungunya patients with co-infections like dengue or Japanese encephalitis. The state has established a rapid action team to investigate the reasons for the rise in chikungunya cases this year. In Mumbai, cases have increased from double digits to 256 as of September 7. The rapid action team has issued guidelines for collecting and sending samples to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune for further evaluation. The guidelines recommend collecting two blood samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms for analysis. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College mentioned that genomic sequencing could help identify any mutations in the virus."We aim to start sequencing as soon as we have enough samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or those with severe symptoms," stated a medical professional. Private sector doctors in the city reported a significant rise in chikungunya cases this year, leading to some patients requiring hospitalization to address their prolonged high fever and potential neurological issues. Furthermore, children have been notably affected this year, as evidenced by the case of an eight-month-old boy who was hospitalized at SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, pediatrician Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi noted that children born to mothers with chikungunya may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, which is a known characteristic of the disease."