During a significant 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to conduct genomic sequencing of samples to detect potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological problems have been observed. The state health officials in Mumbai have announced the decision to conduct genomic sequencing of some positive chikungunya samples to investigate possible genetic changes in the virus. They clarified that rare symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues were not entirely new but occur very infrequently. These symptoms could manifest in chikungunya patients with a co-infection of dengue or Japanese encephalitis, according to Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, joint director of the vector control programme. A rapid action team has been established to investigate the rise in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024, with 256 cases reported in Greater Mumbai as of September 7. The team has issued guidelines for officials at the civic and taluka levels on collecting and sending samples for further analysis to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. Specifically, blood samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation should be sent for examination to identify any potential neurotropic viruses and conduct genomic sequencing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College mentioned that genomic sequencing will help identify mutations in the virus."We will start sequencing as soon as we receive enough samples, especially from patients in the ICU or those with severe symptoms," he stated. Private sector doctors in the city noted a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to manage their prolonged high fever and neurological complications for 10 to 15 days. This year, children have also been affected, as evidenced by the admission of an eight-month-old boy to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali early in August. Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi, a pediatrician at Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, mentioned that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers may show hyperpigmentation as a symptom. He added that hyperpigmentation is a well-documented symptom of chikungunya.