Warning issued over infection risk from alcohol-free wipes

Four brands of non-sterile wipes have been linked to infections and one death, and should be avoided and thrown away, according to UK health officials

PA WireTom Place2 minutes ago COMMENTSA warning to stop using some alcohol-free wipe products has been issued by health chiefs due to an ongoing risk of infection that has killed one person.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have listed four brands of non-sterile wipes that should be avoided.

There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis which have been connected to the wipes in the UK between January 2018 and February 2026.

A small number of cases are still being detected, including some which have required hospital treatment and one linked fatality.

Burkholderia stabilis is a bacterium found naturally and rarely causes infection in otherwise healthy people - however, immunocompromised people, such as those with cystic fibrosis, face an elevated risk.

The products found to be contaminated with Burkholderia were:

The UKHSA and MHRA have emphasised that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, regardless of type or brand, should not be utilised for first aid purposes, or applied to broken or damaged skin.

The product's link to this outbreak was discovered last summer through testing, and the MHRA issued notices to sellers in July, resulting in their withdrawal from sale - but some of the products may still remain in some first aid kits and in people’s homes.

Anyone who still possesses any of the affected products should stop using them immediately and dispose of them in regular household rubbish.

Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, 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.

He added: "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.”

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Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “If you have any wipes at home or work, double check they are labelled 'sterile' before using on broken skin. Follow the advice of your clinical team, GP or community nurse in the care of your intravenous line."

Symptoms of a Burkholderia stabilis infection can vary depending on the site and severity of infection.

They can include redness, swelling, increased pain, and pus or other drainage from the break in skin.

Warning issued over infection risk from alcohol-free wipes

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