The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an urgent public health warning in collaboration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), urging households across the country to immediately stop using four specific brands of wet wipes. This critical alert follows the identification of 59 cases of Burkholderia stabilis infection linked to these products, with one death now attributed to the outbreak.
Serious Health Risks Identified
Health authorities have confirmed that the outbreak spans from January 2018 through to February 2026, with multiple serious infections requiring hospital treatment. The warning specifically targets non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, regardless of brand or type, that have been associated with this dangerous bacterial contamination.
Immunocompromised individuals face particularly high risks, including those with cystic fibrosis and patients managing intravenous lines at home. These vulnerable groups have shown increased susceptibility to developing serious infections from contaminated wipes.
Four Products Under Immediate Ban
Health officials have identified four specific products that should not be used under any circumstances:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
Testing has revealed that Reliwipe products contained contamination with a Burkholderia strain, though not directly related to the current outbreak cases. All affected products have been withdrawn from sale following regulatory action.
Expert Medical Guidance
Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, emphasised the seriousness of the situation while reassuring the public about the overall risk level. "The overall risk to the public remains very low, and affected products have been withdrawn from sale," he stated. "However, we are continuing to see a small number of cases in vulnerable patients, and we are now aware of one associated death."
Dr Elston provided clear guidance for public safety: "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."
Regulatory Response and Prevention Measures
The UKHSA first identified the link to this outbreak through comprehensive testing of wipes used by affected individuals. Health professionals received initial notification through a patient safety alert issued in June 2025, with recent updates reinforcing infection prevention and control guidance.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, confirmed the regulatory response: "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."
She offered practical advice for consumers: "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."
Important Safety Recommendations
Health authorities stress that when treating injuries or cleaning intravenous lines, it is crucial to follow NHS advice and use only sterile medical products. The outbreak serves as a reminder that seemingly harmless consumer products can pose significant health risks when used in medical contexts without proper sterilisation.
While the immediate products of concern have been removed from the market, the warning extends to all non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, highlighting the importance of proper product selection for medical and personal care purposes.
