Health Authorities Issue Urgent Warning Over Contaminated Wipes
British health experts have issued an urgent public warning to immediately stop using certain alcohol-free wipe products following a deadly bacterial outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have identified four specific non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products that must be avoided due to contamination with Burkholderia stabilis bacteria.
Outbreak Details and Fatality
Between January 2018 and February 2026, health authorities have confirmed 59 instances of Burkholderia stabilis infection linked to these contaminated wipe products. A limited number of cases continue to be detected, with some severe infections requiring hospital admission. Tragically, one fatality has been directly linked to this Burkholderia stabilis outbreak, highlighting the serious nature of this public health concern.
Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, stated: "We are reminding the public not to use, and to dispose of, certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes which have been linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis. The overall risk to the public remains very low, and affected products have been withdrawn from sale. However, we are continuing to see a small number of cases in vulnerable patients, and we are now aware of one associated death."
Contaminated Products Identified
The four specific wipe products identified as contaminated with Burkholderia bacteria include:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (testing revealed contamination with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases)
Health authorities emphasize these items should "not be used under any circumstances" and must be disposed of immediately in regular household rubbish.
Risk Assessment and Vulnerable Groups
While Burkholderia stabilis is a bacterium found naturally in the environment and seldom causes infection in otherwise healthy people, certain vulnerable groups face elevated risks. Immunocompromised individuals, those with additional risk factors such as cystic fibrosis, and patients managing intravenous lines at home are particularly susceptible to infection from these contaminated products.
The UKHSA and MHRA have issued specific guidance that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, regardless of type or brand, must not be used for first aid purposes, applied to broken or damaged skin, and should never be employed for cleaning intravenous lines.
Regulatory Actions and Public Guidance
In July 2025, the MHRA issued warnings to distributors of these products, leading to their removal from the market. However, some items might still be found in first aid kits and households. The public is strongly advised to check their homes, including first aid kits, for these wipes and dispose of them immediately if found.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, emphasized: "Patient safety is the MHRA's top priority. The MHRA issued Notices to sellers of specific products in July, resulting in their withdrawal from sale. If you have any wipes at home or work, double check they are labelled 'sterile' before using on broken skin. Follow the advice of your clinical team, GP or community nurse in the care of your intravenous line."
Infection Symptoms and Medical Advice
Symptoms of Burkholderia stabilis infection vary depending on the site and severity but can include:
- Wound infection symptoms: redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around a wound or break in skin, and pus or other drainage
- Intravenous line infection symptoms: redness, swelling, or pain around the insertion site and/or fever and chills
- In serious cases, symptoms associated with bloodstream infection (sepsis) including confusion, rash, and difficulty breathing
The UKHSA advises that anyone with concerns about a wound that isn't healing properly or who develops a fever following an injury must "contact NHS 111 immediately." Patients with intravenous lines who have any concerns should contact their care team without delay.
Ongoing Investigation and Prevention
UKHSA uncovered the link to this outbreak through testing of wipes used by those affected and worked quickly to notify health professionals through a patient safety alert in June 2025. The agency has provided further updates to reinforce infection prevention and control guidance, emphasizing the importance of following NHS advice when treating injuries or cleaning intravenous lines.
While the threat to the wider public remains extremely low, this outbreak serves as a critical reminder about proper medical product usage and the importance of heeding health authority warnings regarding contaminated products that could pose serious risks to vulnerable populations.
