Amid a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to conduct genomic sequencing of samples in order to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have been reported. The state health officials mentioned that these symptoms are rare and could occur in chikungunya patients with co-infections like dengue or Japanese encephalitis. The health department has established a rapid action team to investigate the reasons behind the rise in chikungunya cases. Guidelines have been provided for collecting samples for further analysis at the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. The aim is to identify any neurotropic viruses in chikungunya patients and carry out genomic sequencing to detect mutations."We aim to start sequencing promptly upon receiving sufficient samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or exhibiting severe symptoms," stated the doctor. Private hospitals in the city reported a notable increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to manage their prolonged high fever of 10 to 15 days along with neurological complications. This year, even children have been notably affected, 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, noted that children born to mothers with chikungunya may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, which is a known characteristic of the disease."