Panaji : Tourists in the Indian resort state of Goa are to be screened for swine flu during the new holiday season, officials said, as the state registered its first suspected death from the virus.

State Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane said confirmed cases of swine flu may increase as the winter season approaches and measures were needed to protect the public.

"The Health Ministry has assured to give thermal scanners, which will be installed at the airport," he told reporters on Sunday evening. "We don't want to create panic but we are also not in the mood to take any chances."

A 67-year-old man died of swine flu at a private hospital in Goa on Saturday. He had arrived from the southern city of Bangalore on Friday and complained of high fever.

Around 2.4 million people visit Goa every year, including about 400,000 foreigners, many of whom arrive by air charter flights.