Pune: Chikungunya cases have surged not only in Pune but across the state of Maharashtra, with several patients showing unusual and serious symptoms.

In response, the state’s Public Health Department has decided to undertake genetic sequencing of the chikungunya virus to determine if the virus has mutated.

According to some hospitals, certain chikungunya patients are showing alarming signs such as partial paralysis and dark patches on their faces and ears. These symptoms have raised concerns among health authorities.

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) and B.J. Medical College will take charge of the genetic sequencing. Hospitals — both government and private — are required to collect two blood samples from each patient.

One sample will be sent to NIV and the other to B.J. Medical College. This initiative is targeted at patients exhibiting severe symptoms, and hospitals have been instructed to send the samples within five days of collection for prompt analysis.

Chikungunya outbreaks have been observed in the state in past years, particularly in 2006, 2010, and 2016, when some patients also exhibited dark patches on their skin. The disease tends to return every five to six years, but this year, new and unusual symptoms are being reported.

In some cases, despite clear chikungunya symptoms, test reports are returning negative, further prompting the need for genetic sequencing. By studying the virus at the genetic level, health officials aim to determine whether the virus has undergone significant mutations, leading to these new manifestations.

Reports of life-threatening symptoms in chikungunya patients have surfaced, and the state health department has requested detailed information from the hospitals that have observed these cases.

However, as of now, no official confirmation of such symptoms has been made by the Health Department.

As of now, Pune alone has reported 227 chikungunya cases. In response to the growing numbers, a meeting with hospital representatives has been called to discuss preventive strategies. 

During this meeting, hospitals will be given specific instructions on how to handle chikungunya cases and prevent further spread.

Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation stated that preventive measures are being discussed with all concerned hospitals to address the rise in cases effectively.