During a year with a 55% increase in chikungunya cases, the health department plans to conduct genomic sequencing on samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have been reported. In response to the significant rise in chikungunya cases this year compared to the previous year, the health department in Mumbai will analyze selected positive samples to detect any genetic changes in the virus. State health officials stated that new symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems are extremely rare and could result from chikungunya patients having co-infections like dengue or Japanese encephalitis. The state has formed a rapid action team to investigate the reasons behind the surge in chikungunya cases, from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024. The team has issued guidelines on collecting samples for further analysis at institutes like the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College. Specifically, blood samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms should be sent for analysis to look for potential mutations. The objective is to identify any changes in the virus through genomic sequencing."Start sequencing as soon as we receive enough samples, especially from patients in the ICU or with severe symptoms," stated a doctor. Private sector hospitals in the city reported a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization for up to 10 to 15 days due to high fever and neurological complications. Children have also been notably affected, as evidenced by an eight-month-old boy admitted to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in August. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, pediatrician Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi mentioned that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers exhibit hyperpigmentation, a well-documented symptom of the disease.