Health authorities have issued a warning regarding certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, advising against their use on broken or damaged skin due to infection risks, which have resulted in at least one death. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have specifically named four brands that should be discarded immediately.
So far, there have been 59 reported cases of Burkholderia stabilis, a bacteria that can lead to severe infections, linked to these particular wipes. An outbreak was noted in the UK from January 2018 until early February 2026, but sporadic cases continue to surface, including serious infections requiring hospital care.
Burkholderia stabilis is typically found in nature and poses little risk to healthy individuals, nor is it contagious between people. However, those with weakened immune systems, such as patients with cystic fibrosis or those on intravenous lines, are at a higher risk for infection.
Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, emphasized the importance of checking wipe labels for ‘sterile’ before applying them on broken skin. Dr. James Elston from UKHSA added that non-sterile wipes of any kind should never be used on injuries or to clean intravenous lines.
In the course of an investigation in 2025, the products found to be contaminated with Burkholderia included:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (contamination was from a strain unrelated to the outbreak cases)
UKHSA connected the outbreak to these wipes through testing and promptly alerted health professionals in June 2025. In response, the MHRA communicated with sellers in July to pull these products from the market.
Despite this, some contaminated products might still be found in first aid kits or at home. Health chiefs are urging the public to stop using these wipes and dispose of them in regular household waste.
