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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued a critical warning regarding the use of certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, following a serious outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis that has resulted in one death and 59 confirmed infections. The agencies are advising the public to refrain from using these wipes on broken skin due to heightened infection risks.
Serious Health Risks Identified
The outbreak, which has persisted from January 2018 until February 3, 2026, has raised alarm bells among health officials. Although Burkholderia stabilis is typically harmless to healthy individuals, it poses significant risks to those with compromised immune systems, including patients with cystic fibrosis or those reliant on intravenous lines. While the bacterium is not transmissible between people, its presence in certain wipe products has led to severe infections requiring hospitalisation.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, emphasised the importance of checking product labels before use. “If you have any wipes at home or work, double-check they are labelled ‘sterile’ before using on broken skin,” she advised. Dr James Elston, a consultant in epidemiology and public health at UKHSA, echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.”
Specific Products to Avoid
Health authorities have identified four specific brands of wipes that consumers should immediately dispose of:
1. ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
2. Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
3. Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
4. Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (which was found to contain a strain of Burkholderia not linked to the outbreak).
These products were implicated during investigations in 2025, where testing confirmed contamination with the bacteria. Following these findings, UKHSA swiftly alerted healthcare professionals in June 2025, while the MHRA issued product withdrawal notices in July. Despite these efforts, some contaminated wipes may still be present in first aid kits and household supplies.
Immediate Action Required
The UKHSA and MHRA strongly advise the public to stop using these non-sterile wipes and to dispose of them safely in regular household waste. This precaution is critical in preventing further infections and protecting vulnerable populations.
The agencies are taking this outbreak seriously, continually monitoring the situation and ensuring that health professionals are equipped with the latest information to manage potential risks effectively.
Why it Matters
This warning serves as a vital reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when using medical supplies, especially in home settings. As outbreaks can arise from seemingly innocuous products, awareness and vigilance are crucial in safeguarding public health. The recent fatality underscores the potential consequences of neglecting these warnings, particularly for those most at risk. By disposing of non-sterile wipes and opting for properly sterilised alternatives, individuals can play a key role in enhancing safety and reducing the likelihood of further infections.
