Health officials in Ohio say responding to the swine flu outbreak is costing the state about $44,000 a day, in addition to the money spent by local governments.

A story from the AP says, the state has 121 people dedicated to its response, and individual counties and cities have dozens of others.

The costs for all levels of government are adding up as officials set up emergency management centers, try to communicate with the public, meet and interview patients and alert people who may have contracted the virus.

Experts estimate it costs local health departments about $1 per resident to respond to the outbreak. That would amount to nearly $750,000 in the state capital of Columbus.

Franklin County, which surrounds Columbus, has 29 employees dedicated to its swine flu response and has spent $37,000 on staffing expenses.

Officials say the costs rise when cases are confirmed.

Click here to read more of this story from the AP.