Strengthening interstate surveillance and data sharing: Lessons from Gombe State’s Lassa fever outbreak response, Nigeria

Introduction: Lassa fever (LF) endemicity in West Africa poses amplified risks due to population mobility and health system gaps. A LF outbreak in Gombe State, Nigeria (December 2024–February 2025), a non-hotspot state, exposed gaps in regional health security, interstate surveillance and coordination. The index case (a traveller from Taraba State) highlighted interstate border transmission risks. This study reviews Gombe State’s 2024/2025 LF outbreak data to strengthen LF outbreak control, enhance future outbreak preparedness and improve interstate collaboration. Methods: Nigeria’s National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of Gombe State LF cases between December 2024 and February 2025 across nine (82%) of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) from 12th to 26th February 2025. Response activities included active case search, retrospective record reviews, harmonisation of surveillance data using the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS), IPC assessments, environmental risk assessment, community engagement, and interstate coordination. Data were analysed descriptively by person, place, and time. Results: Thirty-nine suspected cases, 11 confirmed cases, one probable case, and six deaths were identified during the outbreak period. Imported cases linked to Taraba and Bauchi States contributed substantially to the outbreak. Surveillance data reconciliation improved harmonization of outbreak records across SORMAS, health facility records, laboratory records, and state line lists. IPC assessments identified gaps in triage systems, PPE utilisation, isolation capacity, and adherence to standard precautions. No additional confirmed case or healthcare worker infection was identified during the later phase of the response period. Conclusion: The Gombe outbreak demonstrates the vulnerability of states not traditionally considered LF hotspots to interstate importation and localised transmission. Interstate surveillance coordination, data harmonization, strengthened IPC measures, and multisectoral response activities supported outbreak detection and response efforts. Strengthening these systems may improve preparedness and response to future outbreaks.