During a significant 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to analyze samples using genomic sequencing to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological complications have been observed. In response to the nearly 55% surge in chikungunya cases this year as compared to the previous year, health officials in Mumbai intend to conduct genomic sequencing on select positive samples to detect any genetic mutations within the virus. State health authorities have emphasized that seemingly new symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues (inflammation in the brain or heart tissues) are not novel occurrences but rather extremely rare. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, joint director of the vector control program, mentioned that these symptoms could manifest when a chikungunya patient is also infected with dengue or Japanese encephalitis. These symptoms were previously outlined in guidelines released by the central government last year. Additionally, a rapid action team has been established by the state to investigate the reasons behind the rise in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 so far. In Greater Mumbai, cases of chikungunya have escalated from double digits to 256 by September 7. The newly formed rapid action team has issued directives for officials at the city and taluka levels regarding the collection of samples to be sent for further examination to both the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. As per the guidelines, two blood samples should be collected from patients exhibiting neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation and forwarded to the Pune institutes. A senior state official mentioned that the objective is to identify any other neurotropic viruses in chikungunya patients and conduct genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College highlighted that genomic sequencing would assist in identifying potential mutations."We will prioritize sequencing once we receive sufficient samples, especially from patients in the intensive care unit or those experiencing severe symptoms," stated the doctor. Private sector doctors in the city reported a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to manage their high fever for 10 to 15 days along with neurological complications. Children have also been affected, as evidenced by the case of an eight-month-old boy admitted to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi, a pediatrician at Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, mentioned that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, which is a known characteristic of the disease."