Mumbai Health Department to Sequence Chikungunya Virus Amid Rising Cases
Mumbai has seen a nearly 55% surge in chikungunya cases this year compared to last, prompting the health department to initiate genomic sequencing on select samples to detect possible genetic mutations in the virus. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, state health officials emphasized that symptoms like hyperpigmentation and neurological issues, such as swelling in the brain or heart tissues, are not new but are extremely rare. These symptoms are more likely when there is a co-infection with dengue or Japanese encephalitis, confirmed Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, Joint Director of the Vector Control Programme. These rare symptoms were also included in guidelines from the Centre last year.
To address the spike, the state has formed a rapid action team to investigate the rise in cases, which have escalated from 1,702 in 2023 to 2,643 in 2024. In Greater Mumbai, cases jumped to 256 by September 7 from the previous double digits. This team has released new guidelines for civic and taluka-level officials, advising that blood samples from patients exhibiting neurological symptoms should be sent to the National Institute of Virology and B J Medical College in Pune for further analysis. These investigations aim to detect other neurotropic viruses and perform genomic sequencing, explained a senior state official.
Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte of B J Medical College noted that genomic sequencing would help identify any viral mutations. "We can begin sequencing as soon as we receive adequate samples, particularly from ICU patients or those with severe symptoms," he added. Doctors in Mumbai’s private hospitals corroborated the rise in chikungunya cases, some requiring hospitalization for severe fever lasting 10-15 days and neurological complications. Notably, children have also been affected; an eight-month-old boy was admitted to SRCC Children’s Hospital in August. Dr. Bhupendra Avasthi from Surya Children’s Hospital pointed out that children born to chikungunya-positive mothers often show hyperpigmentation, a well-documented symptom of the disease.
This proactive step by Mumbai’s health authorities aims to curb the spread and better understand the virus’s behavior, potentially leading to improved management and prevention strategies.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/state-to-check-for-virus-mutation-amid-chikungunya-surge/articleshow/113643476.cms
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