During a significant 55% increase in chikungunya cases this year, the health department is planning to conduct genomic sequencing of samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological complications have surfaced. In response to the rise in chikungunya viral fever cases by nearly 55% this year compared to the previous year, health authorities have opted to analyze the genetic makeup of select positive samples. State health officials also clarified that purportedly new symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological issues are not novel but are exceedingly rare. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, the joint director of vector control program, stated that these symptoms might manifest in chikungunya patients who also have dengue or Japanese encephalitis co-infections, as mentioned in guidelines released by the Centre last year. A swift response team has been assembled to investigate the reasons behind the increase in chikungunya cases, which have surged from 1,702 cases in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 so far. The team has disseminated directives to local officials on sample collection and analysis at the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune. According to the guidelines, samples from patients displaying neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation should be sent for further testing. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College highlighted that genomic sequencing will be instrumental in identifying any mutations in the virus."We will start sequencing once we receive sufficient samples, particularly from patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms," stated the physician. Private sector doctors in the city reported a significant increase in cases of chikungunya this year, with some patients requiring hospitalization to manage their high fever for 10 to 15 days and deal with neurological complications. Children are also being affected, as evidenced by the case of an eight-month-old boy admitted to SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi, a pediatrician, noted that children born to mothers infected with chikungunya may exhibit hyperpigmentation as a symptom, which is a well-documented manifestation of the disease.