Wet wipes: Update on : Bacterial Outbreak Linked to Six Deaths in the UK

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, 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.