washington - the world ' s governments raced to avoid both a pandemic and global panic sunday as more possible h5n1 flu cases surfaced from pakistan to new zealand and the two kingdoms declared a private health emergencies . " it ' s not a time to panic , " the white house said . mexico , the outbreak ' s epicenter with up to 103 suspect fatalities , canceled some church gatherings and closed markets and restaurants . few others ventured towards the internet , and some wore face masks . australia became the last party to confirm cases , in six individuals , including some students who — like some new york city balloon - breakers — got mildly ill in mexico . leaders western asia pledged to quarantine frenzy travelers returning from flu - affected sites .
As many as 103 people in Mexico have died of swine flu.