Goa Opposition Calls for Health Checks on Russian Tourists After Siberian Plague Case

Laboratory staff member at the Irkutsk Anti‑Plague Research Institute in Siberia died of pneumonic plague, sparking calls in Goa for health screening of Russian visitors. The woman died on Oct 2; Russian officials say the cause was pneumonia of unknown origin and warn there is no sign of an outbreak. About 200 people who had contact with her have been placed under quarantine. The World Health Organization asked Russia for more details, stressing the need for transparent reporting under International Health Regulations. Goa’s opposition leader, Congress MLA Yuri Alemao, posted on X that the state must immediately start health checks for passengers arriving from Russia, saying tourism is important but public safety comes first. He warned against complacency as regular charter flights now bring Russian tourists to the state. Goa’s tourism director, Kedar Naik, replied that no advisory has been received from the WHO or any health body, and the season is proceeding smoothly; he added that any future guidance will be acted on. The tourist season began last week with a charter from Yekaterinburg carrying 162 passengers, followed by a Moscow charter with 285 passengers on Oct 4. Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said the department will keep strengthening traditional markets like Russia while expanding Goa’s global reach. ## Context Pneumonic plague is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can spread through the lungs; WHO rules require countries to share timely data to assess cross‑border health risks. Goa’s economy depends heavily on foreign tourists, especially from Russia, making any health alert a sensitive issue.