In the midst of a 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department plans to perform genomic sequencing on samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. In response to the significant rise in chikungunya cases this year compared to the previous year, the health department in Mumbai intends to conduct genomic sequencing on select positive samples to examine any genetic mutations in the virus. Recent rare symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological problems (such as brain or heart tissue swelling) have been reported. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, joint director of the vector control programme, explained that these symptoms may arise in chikungunya patients with concurrent dengue or Japanese encephalitis infections. These symptoms were also documented in guidelines issued by the government last year. A rapid action team has been established by the state to investigate the reasons behind the increase in chikungunya cases from 1,702 cases in 2023 to 2,643 cases in 2024 to date. Guidelines have been provided for officials at the civic and taluka levels on sending samples to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune for further examination. The team recommends that two blood samples be collected from patients exhibiting neurological symptoms such as paralysis and hyperpigmentation for analysis at the institutes in Pune. The objective is to detect any other neurotropic virus in chikungunya patients and perform genomic sequencing for further investigation. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College emphasized that genomic sequencing will help identify any mutations that may be present."The doctor emphasized the importance of sequencing samples once we have enough, particularly those from patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms," said a hospital representative. Medical professionals at private hospitals in the city noted 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. The pediatric population has also been impacted, with reports of an eight-month-old boy being admitted to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, pediatrician Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi highlighted that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, a well-documented characteristic of the disease."