Residents across the UK are being advised to steer clear of four specific brands of alcohol-free wipes due to a recent outbreak of infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have identified these wipes as the source of 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis infection from January 2018 to February 2026.

The infection, which can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain, is still being reported, with several individuals requiring hospitalization. Although the overall risk to the public is considered low, there has been one fatality linked to the infection. According to the UKHSA, “There have been 59 confirmed cases in an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis identified in the United Kingdom from 2018 and up to February 3, 2026, associated with several non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products. These have included some serious infections in addition to the attributable death.”

As detailed by Chronicle Live, Burkholderia stabilis is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the environment. It poses a threat primarily to those with weakened immune systems, individuals with cystic fibrosis, and patients managing intravenous lines at home.

Authorities have pinpointed four products contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis and have strongly advised against their use “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 revealed contamination with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases)

UK residents are encouraged to check their homes, including first aid kits, for these wipes and to dispose of them if found.

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“The overall risk to the public remains very low, and affected products have been withdrawn from sale.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.

“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.”

The official symptoms of Burkholderia stabilis infection include:

• Symptoms of a wound infection can include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around a wound or break in skin, and pus or other drainage from the wound/break in skin
• Symptoms of infection involving an intravenous line can include signs such as redness, swelling, or pain around the insertion site and/or fever and chills
• In more serious cases, symptoms associated with bloodstream infection (sepsis). Sepsis has many possible symptoms, including confusion, a rash, and difficulty breathing

The UKHSA urges people to “contact NHS 111 immediately” if they have concerns about a wound that isn’t healing properly or you develop a fever following an injury. Meanwhile, if you have an intravenous line and have any concerns you should contact your care team.