Wet wipe alert as four brands linked to bacteria outbreak and 62 illnesses | UK | News

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued a reminder to avoid four specific brands of wipes. This comes after he tested positive for a potentially lethal bacteria.

These brands have been linked to 62 illnesses and six deaths reported in the United Kingdom. The public has been instructed not to use these four specific non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products under any circumstances due to the ongoing risk of infection from their use. Mirror.

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The statement also included the following statements: “If you have any of these wipes, we remind you to stop using them. These products should not be used, please check your first aid kits and throw them away if you find them.”

During outbreak investigations in 2025, the following products were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia. These four products should not be used under any circumstances:

There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis linked to some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes products. It was discovered during an outbreak in the United Kingdom that began in January 2018 and lasted until February 3, 2026.

A few cases are still being discovered. Some of these cases were serious, requiring hospital treatment, and there was one death associated with Burkholderia stabilis infection.

Burkholderia stabilis is a type of bacteria that occurs naturally and does not usually make healthy people sick. For most people, the risk of infection is extremely low.

However, people with weakened immune systems, those with other health problems such as cystic fibrosis, and patients who require intravenous access at home are more susceptible to infection. So far, there is no evidence that the bacteria are transmitted from one person to another.

The MHRA issued notices to sellers in July 2025, leading to the removal of these products from the market. However, some of these items can still be found in first aid kits and homes.

People should look for these wipes in their homes, especially in their first aid kits. If anyone has any of the affected products they should stop using them immediately and dispose of them with normal household waste.

What are the symptoms of Burkholderia stabilis infection?

Symptoms may vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. However, they may include:

• Symptoms of a wound infection may include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around the wound or cracked skin, and pus or other discharge from the wound/crack in the skin.
• Symptoms of infection involving the intravenous line may include redness, swelling, or pain around the puncture site/or fever and chills.
• In more severe cases, symptoms are related to bloodstream infection (sepsis). Sepsis has many possible symptoms, including confusion, rash, and difficulty breathing.

If you are concerned about a wound that is not healing properly or develop a fever following an injury, the UKHSA advises you to “contact NHS 111 immediately”. If you have an intravenous line and you have any concerns, you should contact your care team.