Southern Illinois spot for migrant workers vigilant about swine flu

COBDEN, Ill. -- An emergency services chief in a Southern Illinois county where migrants gather each spring to work the apple and peach orchards said many there are concerned about the possible spread of swine flu linked to Mexico.

But Union County's Dana Pearson added that there's no need for anyone around Cobden to feel alarmed. He said the area so far only has a few families of migrants, and they're from Tennessee and Texas. More are expected in coming weeks.

Wayne Sirles runs the Rendleman Orchards near Alto Pass. He said the few dozen migrant workers he's had have been with him for decades and that transient workers coming to the area likely will be coming from the Southeast, where winter crops are winding down.

He called any worries "foolish."