Amid a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to sequence the genomes of samples to identify any potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have emerged. In response to a nearly 55% surge in chikungunya cases this year compared to last year, the health department has decided to conduct genomic sequencing of select positive samples to investigate genetic mutations in the virus. State health officials explained that unusual symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems (brain or heart tissue swelling) are not new but rather very rare. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, Joint Director of the vector control program, mentioned that these symptoms may occur in chikungunya patients with concurrent infections like dengue or Japanese encephalitis, as outlined in last year's guidelines from the Center. A rapid action team has been established to examine the reasons behind the rise in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 so far. In Greater Mumbai, chikungunya cases have increased from double digits to 256 by September 7. The rapid action team has issued guidelines for local officials on collecting and sending samples to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune for further analysis. According to the guidelines, two blood samples of patients displaying neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation should be sent to the Pune institutes. The objective is to investigate the presence of other neurotropic viruses in chikungunya patients and perform genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College emphasized that genomic sequencing will help identify any mutations for better understanding.Doctors in private hospitals in the city have noticed a significant rise 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, including an eight-month-old boy, have also been affected. Hyperpigmentation has been observed in children born to mothers who tested positive for chikungunya. Therefore, prompt sequencing of samples, particularly from severe cases in the intensive care unit, is crucial, according to a medical expert.