UK bacteria outbreak linked to common item in thousands of homes

The public has been urged to stop using a product found in many homes and first aid kits after it was linked to a bacterial outbreak. Four types of non-sterile alcohol-free wipes - sometimes used to clean skin or wounds - have been withdrawn from sale. It comes after 51 cases of infection with Burkholderia stabilis were confirmed in the UK between 2018 and 2025 and linked to the wipes. Officials said no deaths had occurred but some serious infections required hospital treatment.

Three of the products - ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, and Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes - were found to be contaminated with the bacteria. A fourth product, Reliwipe Alcohol free Cleansing Wipes, was contaminated with another strain not linked to the outbreaks.

Dr James Elston, consultant in epidemiology and public health, UKHSA said: "While the overall risk to the public remains very low, a number of non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products have been linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis.

"It is important these types of wipes are not used for the treatment of injuries, wounds, or broken skin, and that they are not used to clean intravenous lines.

"UKHSA uncovered the link to this outbreak through testing of wipes used by patients and worked quickly to notify health professionals through a patient safety alert, reinforcing existing infection prevention and control guidance. When treating cuts and grazes, it is important to follow NHS advice.''

The products are sometimes found in first aid kits and in people's homes, but are not routinely used in the NHS and are not approved by the MHRA for medical purposes.

Anyone with one of the products is urged not to use them and to dispose of them in their household waste.

The UKHSA advises that you should only use wipes marked as sterile on broken skin such as wounds, scratches or where blood is visible.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said: "We consider wipes which are intended for a medical purpose to be medicines. These products do not have a medicines authorisation, and we are taking appropriate action to ensure compliance with the requirements of the applicable legislation governed by MHRA.

"If you have these wipes at home or in a first aid kit, please check the label and only use wipes marked as 'sterile' on broken skin. Healthcare professionals are advised to follow instructions and information provided in the national patient safety alert from UKHSA.

"Anyone who has used alcohol-free wipes and has concerns about potential infection is advised to speak with a healthcare professional."