12/03/2026
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued an urgent warning regarding four specific brands of non-sterile alcohol-free wipes.
As of March 2026, an ongoing outbreak of the bacterium Burkholderia stabilis has been linked to six deaths in the UK. In these cases, five confirmed and one probable victim died within 30 days of infection, with one death directly attributed to the bacterium.
Affected Products.
The public is advised to immediately stop using and dispose of these four specific products, which were found to be contaminated:
ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (Found with a different Burkholderia strain)
Key Safety Guidance
High-Risk Groups: Individuals with weakened immune systems, cystic fibrosis, or those using intravenous lines at home are at significantly higher risk.
Wound Care: Only use wipes explicitly marked as "sterile" for treating injuries, wounds, or broken skin.
Disposal: If you have these wipes in your home or first aid kits, dispose of them in standard household waste.
Action: While these products have been withdrawn from sale, they may still remain in domestic medicine cabinets.
Symptoms of a B. stabilis infection can include serious conditions like sepsis. If you have used these wipes and are concerned, you should contact a healthcare professional or NHS 111.
Do you have any of these specific brands in your first aid kit, or would you like information on alternative sterile products for wound care?