In severe cases, this infection can lead to sepsis
Health experts have issued a warning amid the outbreak of an infection(Image: Getty)
Brits have been warned to stop using certain alcohol-free wipe products amid the outbreak of an infection that has killed one person. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) listed four particular non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products that should be avoided.
This comes as there have been 59 confirmed instances of Burkholderia stabilis identified in a UK outbreak connected to certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products, between January 2018 and February 2026.
And a limited number of cases are still being detected. These have included some severe infections requiring hospital admission, and one fatality has been linked to Burkholderia stabilis infection.
The UKHSA explained that Burkholderia stabilis is a bacterium found naturally in the environment. It seldom causes infection in otherwise healthy people, and the threat to the wider public remains extremely low.
Four wipe products were identified as being contaminated with Burkholderia(Image: Getty)
Nevertheless, immunocompromised people, those with additional risk factors such as cystic fibrosis, and patients managing intravenous lines at home face an elevated risk of contracting infection. During the outbreak investigations in 2025, four products were identified as being contaminated with Burkholderia.
These items should therefore “not be used under any circumstances”:
ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing WipesMicrosafe Moist Wipe Alcohol FreeSteroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing WipesReliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (testing revealed contamination with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases)READ MORE: UK travellers could face six-hour airport delays flying to Spain, France, and Italy
On top of this, the UKHSA and MHRA emphasised that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, regardless of type or brand, must not be utilised for first aid purposes, applied to broken or damaged skin, and should under no circumstances be employed for cleaning intravenous lines.
In July, the MHRA issued warnings to the distributors of these products, leading to their removal from the market. However, some of these items might still be found in first aid kits and households.
The public is advised to check their homes, including first aid kits, for these wipes. Anyone who still possesses any of the affected products should cease using them immediately and dispose of them in regular household rubbish.
The UKHSA issued a safety alert to healthcare professionals in June 2025 and has reiterated this advice today (February 5) Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, said: “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.
In serious cases a Burkholderia stabilis infection can lead to sepsis(Image: Getty)
“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.
“Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, of any type or brand, should not be used for the treatment of injuries, wounds, or broken skin; and they should never be used to clean intravenous lines.
“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. We have provided a further update to reinforce infection prevention and control guidance.
“When treating injuries or cleaning intravenous lines, it is important to follow NHS advice.”
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, stated: “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.”
Symptoms
Symptoms of a Burkholderia stabilis infection can vary depending on the site and severity of infection. But they can include the following:
Symptoms of a wound infection can include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around a wound or or break in skin, and pus or other drainage from the wound / break in skinSymptoms of infection involving an intravenous line can include signs such as redness, swelling, or pain around the insertion site and / or fever and chillsIn more serious cases, symptoms associated with bloodstream infection (sepsis). Sepsis has many possible symptoms including confusion, a rash, and difficulty breathing
If you have concerns about a wound that isn’t healing properly or you develop a fever following an injury, the UKHSA says you must “contact NHS 111 immediately”. If you have an intravenous line and have any concerns you should contact your care team.