WRAPUP 8-World flu epidemic fear rises, Mexicans shelter

(For full coverage of the flu outbreak, click on [nFLU])

* More confirmed cases in United States and Canada

* Mexico City residents hide at home for fear of infection

* Suspected cases reported in Europe, Israel, New Zealand

* Most Mexicans infected now have clean bill of health (Adds deaths feared in U.S., Mexico finance minister comments)

By Helen Popper and Alistair Bell

MEXICO CITY, April 26 (Reuters) - Fears of a global swine flu pandemic grew with new infections in the United States and Canada on Sunday, and millions of Mexicans hid indoors to avoid a virus that has already killed up to 81 people.

While the only deaths have been in Mexico, the flu is spreading with 20 cases in the United States and six in Canada, and possible cases as far afield as Europe, Israel and New Zealand.

Offering a glimmer of hope in Mexico, President Felipe Calderon said most of the roughly 1,300 people in the country suspected of having the fatal flu have been given a clean bill of health. [ID:nN26489623]