During this year, there has been a significant 55% increase in chikungunya cases, prompting the health department to plan genomic sequencing of samples to identify potential mutations. Uncommon symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues have surfaced. In response to a nearly 55% uptick in chikungunya cases this year compared to last year, the health department will be conducting genomic sequencing on select positive samples to detect any genetic mutations in the virus. State health officials clarified that purported new symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems have been previously observed but are exceptionally rare. Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, joint director of the vector control program, mentioned that these symptoms may arise in chikungunya patients co-infected with dengue or Japanese encephalitis. A rapid action team has been formed to investigate the reasons behind the surge in chikungunya cases from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024 until now. Guidelines have been issued for collecting and sending samples to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College for further analysis. The team also highlighted the importance of collecting blood samples from patients exhibiting neurological symptoms like paralysis and hyperpigmentation for genomic sequencing to detect any possible mutations. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte from B J Medical College emphasized that genomic sequencing will aid in identifying any mutations in the virus."With the increasing number of chikungunya cases this year in the city, especially among patients in the intensive care unit or with severe symptoms, we aim to start sequencing as soon as we have sufficient samples," stated a healthcare professional. Private sector doctors reported a significant rise in chikungunya cases, resulting in some patients requiring hospitalization for up to 10 to 15 days to manage high fever and neurological complications. Children are also being affected, with cases reported including an eight-month-old boy hospitalized at SRCC Children's Hospital in Haji Ali in early August. At Surya Children's Hospital in Santa Cruz, pediatrician Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi noted that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers may exhibit hyperpigmentation, a known symptom of the disease."