In the midst of a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department intends to analyze samples through genomic sequencing to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological complications have surfaced. The health authorities in Mumbai have responded to the significant rise in chikungunya cases this year by deciding to conduct genomic sequencing on certain positive samples to detect any genetic variations in the virus. Officials specified that purported new symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological problems, though rarely seen, are not novel, but rather unusual occurrences. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, the joint director of the vector control program, noted that these symptoms may manifest in chikungunya patients experiencing co-infections with dengue or Japanese encephalitis, consistent with guidelines established by the central government last year. A rapid action team has been established by the state to investigate the reasons behind the spike in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 up to now. In Greater Mumbai, chikungunya cases have surged from double digits to 256 as of September 7. The rapid action team recently convened to provide directives for local officials on sample submission to both the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune for further scrutiny. According to the guidelines, blood samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation should be sent to the institutes in Pune for analysis. A senior official stated that the objective is to investigate for other neurotropic viruses in chikungunya patients and execute genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College expressed that genomic sequencing would aid in identifying any mutations."We will start sequencing once we have enough samples, particularly from patients in the ICU or with severe symptoms," stated the doctor. Private hospitals in the city reported a significant rise in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization for up to 15 days to manage their prolonged fever and neurological issues. This year, children have also been impacted, as evidenced by the admission of an eight-month-old boy to SRCC Children's Hospital in early August. Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi, a pediatrician at Surya Children's Hospital, noted that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers exhibit hyperpigmentation, a known symptom of the disease.