The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning advising the public to avoid four brands of wet wipes after they were linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis bacteria. The outbreak has resulted in 62 reported illnesses and six deaths in the UK since 2018.
The affected products are non-sterile alcohol-free wipes that have been withdrawn from sale, but may still be present in first aid kits and homes. The UKHSA urges anyone who still has these wipes to stop using them immediately and dispose of them in standard household waste.
Burkholderia stabilis poses a significant risk to individuals with weakened immune systems, cystic fibrosis, or cancer. The UKHSA noted that the overall risk to the public remains very low, but cases continue to emerge among vulnerable patients.
James Elston, consultant in epidemiology and public health at UKHSA, emphasised that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for treating injuries, wounds, or broken skin, nor for cleaning intravenous lines. The agency uncovered the link through testing of wipes used by affected individuals and issued a patient safety alert in June 2025.
