MUMBAI: Considering that the number of cases of Chikungunya virus has increased by around 55% this year compared to last year, the health department has decided to conduct genetic sequencing of some positive samples to ensure that the virus does not have any genetic mutation. S

tate health officials explained in a statement Tuesday that symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and neurological problems (swelling of brain or heart tissue) are not new and extremely rare. “If you have dengue fever or Japanese encephalitis, people with chikungunya will have those symptoms,” said Dr. Mahendra Jagthap, co-director of the Vector Control Program.

The state has constituted a rapid action task force to study why chikungunya cases have increased from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024. In Greater Mumbai, chikungunya cases rose by double-digits to 256 since September 7.The Rapid Action Team, first called a few days ago, directed citizens and taluk-level officials to send samples to the National Institute of Virology, Pune and Beijing Medical College for further analysis.

As per the guidelines, patients suffering from neurological symptoms like paralysis and hypertension (dark spots on the skin, especially on the face or nose) should collect two blood samples and send them to the Pune institute. “The aim is to find other enteroviruses in chikungunya patients and sequence their genes,” said a senior government official.

Genome sequencing can help detect mutations, said Dr. Rajesh Kariyakarti of Beijing Medical College. “Once we have enough samples, especially from intensive care units or patients with severe symptoms, we can start sequencing,” he said.

According to doctors at private hospitals in the city, the incidence of chikungunya has increased significantly this year and some patients require hospitalization for 10 to 15 days to control high fever and neurological disorders. This year children have also been victims. In the first week of August, SRCC Hospital Alhaji Ali Shishu received an eight-month-old baby.

Dr Bhupendra Awasthi, a pediatrician at Surya Shishu Hospital in Santacruz, said one of the chikungunya-infected mothers had high blood pressure. “However, hyperpigmentation is a well-documented symptom of chikungunya,” he added.

Sources https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/state-to-check-for-virus-mutation-amid-chikungunya-surge/articleshow/113643476.cms

https://punemirror.com/pune/health/chikungunya-outbreak-centre-urges-pmc-and-state-to-act-quickly/cid1727014094.htm