london - the usa ' s parties raced to avoid both a hiv and global denial monday as more possible swine flu events surfaced from canada to new orleans and the united states declared a public health emergency . " it ' s not a time to panic , " the white house said . mexico , the disease ' s epicenter with up to 103 suspected cases , cancelled some church ceremonies and reopened streets and cafes . few residents ventured onto the sidewalk , and some wear face shields . china became the lead country to confirmed cases , in five people , except some students . — like some new york city spring - breakers — got extremely ill in mexico . governments across asia promised to quarantines feverish travelers returning from flu - affected sites .
As many as 103 people in Mexico have died of swine flu.