UKHSA warning to stop using wipes after fatal outbreak
The Independent • • health
Key Points:
- UK health authorities have warned against using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes on broken or damaged skin due to a risk of infection from Burkholderia stabilis, which has caused 59 confirmed cases and one death.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) identified an outbreak linked to contaminated wipes from January 2018 to February 2026, with some cases still being detected.
- Burkholderia stabilis poses a higher infection risk to immunocompromised individuals, those with cystic fibrosis, and patients with intravenous lines, but it is not contagious between people.
- Health officials advise checking that wipes are labeled "sterile" before use
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