Following an ongoing outbreak, UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) is advising people to check their first aid supplies for a range of “non-sterile alcohol-free wipes”.
These wipes contain a species of bacteria Burkholderia stabilis, which while typically harmless to the general population, can cause serious infections in vulnerable groups of people (those with chronic health conditions and/or weakened immune systems, or using IV lines for example).
The group of non-sterile alcohol-free wipes currently being identified as contaminated and “not be used under any circumstances” are:
- Non-sterile ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes;
- Non-sterile Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free;
- Non-sterile Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes;
- Non-sterile Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (testing revealed contamination with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases).
While these products were withdrawn from sale last year, some may still remain in circulation (in first aid kits, people’s homes or workplaces). People should be check for them, and if found, stop using them immediately – they can be disposed of in standard household waste.
Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, commenting on the outbreak, 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. The overall risk to the public remains very low, and affected products have been withdrawn from sale.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.”
UKHSA commenting on the outbreak itself indicated,
“There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis associated with some non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products - identified in an outbreak in the United Kingdom from January 2018 to 3rd February 2026. A small number of cases continue to be detected. These have included some serious infections which have required hospital treatment and 1 death has been attributed to Burkholderia stabilis infection”
Links to further information can be found at:
Public advised to stop using some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes - GOV.UK
What is Burkholderia stabilis, and why should I check my first aid kit? – UK Health Security Agency