Background on the Outbreak
The outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis was identified between June 2018 and February 2026. This bacterial infection has been linked to four brands of wet wipes, which have now been associated with six deaths and 62 infections across the UK.
Contaminated Products
The brands involved include Value Aid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes. Three of these brands originate from the same UK manufacturing site.
Health Implications
Patients affected by the outbreak ranged in age from 0 to 93 years old, with 15 patients aged 19 or younger. Symptoms of B. stabilis infection can include fever, chills, and wound or skin symptoms. In serious cases, the infection can lead to sepsis and death.
Official Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning regarding the contaminated wipes, urging people to stop using these products ‘under any circumstances’ and dispose of them as soon as possible. They also emphasized that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for first aid purposes.
Advice for the Public
Officials have advised that if individuals have concerns about a wound that isn’t healing properly or develop a fever following an injury, they should contact NHS 111 immediately.
As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor the outbreak and its implications for public health. The contaminated wipes were withdrawn from sale in July 2025, but the full extent of the outbreak is still being assessed.