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, resulting in six deaths and 62 infections across the UK.

Contaminated Products

The brands implicated in this outbreak include Value Aid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes. Notably, three of these brands originate from the same UK manufacturing site.

Patients affected by the outbreak ranged in age from 0 to 93 years old, with 15 individuals aged 19 or younger. Symptoms of a B. stabilis infection can include fever, chills, and various skin or wound 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 the public to stop using these products “under any circumstances” and to dispose of them as soon as possible. They also emphasized that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for first aid purposes.

Next Steps for Consumers

Health officials recommend that anyone who has concerns about a wound that isn’t healing properly, or who develops a fever following an injury, should contact NHS 111 immediately. The agency is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

As investigations continue, the UKHSA is working to ensure public safety and prevent further infections. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the outbreak and any additional measures that may be implemented.

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Recent investigations have revealed that four brands of non-sterile wet wipes have been contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis, a bacterium associated with severe infections. This alarming discovery has resulted in 59 confirmed cases of infections in the United Kingdom between June 2018 and February 2026, with six deaths linked to the outbreak.

The contaminated products include ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes. These wipes were withdrawn from sale in July 2025 following the identification of the contamination.

Symptoms of a Burkholderia stabilis infection can manifest as redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around a wound, and pus. Infections typically occur through contact with contaminated products on broken or damaged skin, raising significant concerns about the safety of non-sterile wipes.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings to the public regarding the use of these contaminated wipes. Dr. James Elston emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, “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.”

Health experts are advising against the use of non-sterile alcohol-free wipes for first aid purposes, highlighting the potential risks associated with these products. The UKHSA uncovered the link to this outbreak through testing of wipes used by those affected, underscoring the importance of rigorous product testing.

As health authorities continue to monitor the situation, further developments are expected regarding the safety of wet wipes in the market. Consumers are urged to stay informed and exercise caution when selecting personal care products.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the contamination and any additional brands that may be affected. The UKHSA is actively investigating to ensure public safety and prevent further infections.

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