"Ohio Gov. Bob Taft says he believes U.S. states in general are on their way to being prepared as much as many overseas governments are. He said in an interview that states need to make sure local governments are prepared to handle quarantines and isolation since they will be the initial front line in the fight.

Taft said Ohio has already toughened laws on quarantines, is working on a contingency plan to keep state government running "at low strength," and will hold a number of regional summits to make sure local health agencies are aware and ready to cooperate."