Around the world efforts are being made to prevent this new strain of swine flu from turning into a global pandemic.

Meanwhile, health ministers from the 27 European Union nations are to hold an emergency meeting. They will coordinate efforts to prevent the spread of swine flu and discuss its treatment.

The ministers may agree to issue a Europe-wide travel warning to people to stay away from Mexico.

Peru has diagnosed its first case of swine flu. It appears to be the first case in Latin America that has been confirmed outside of Mexico.

The patient is an Argentine woman who lives in California and had recently been in Mexico. She was on a flight that was diverted to Lima when she fell ill.

The Health Minister announced the suspension of all commercial flights to Peru from Mexico.

Oscar Ugarte, Peru's Health Minister, said, "We have agreed to suspend flights from Mexico as a precautionary measure that could be modified depending on how this evolves."

There's been one confirmed flu death in the US -- a Mexican toddler visiting Texas with his family. Clinics are seeing a rise in patients and worried parents. Health authorities emphasize the importance of hand washing.

Frances Phillips, Deputy Secretary of US Public Health, said, "The tried and true method of preventing infection from virus and that is frequent hand washing, that is making sure you cover your cough, you sneeze into your sleeve, if you're feeling poorly or your child is feeling poorly to stay home."

The Texas governor has issued a disaster declaration and many schools across the state have shut down. The US Homeland Security Secretary says fighting the virus calls for patience and confidence.

Canada is also toughening its rules to prevent the swine flu. 19 cases of swine flu have been confirmed, with 6 new cases reported Wednesday.

Airports have intensified scrutiny and inspection of passengers from Mexico. The country has also proposed to step up monitoring and strengthen international cooperation to fight the virus.

(CCTV.com May 1, 2009)