UK bacteria outbreak linked to common item in thousands of homes | UK | News
The public was asked to stop using a product and first aid kit found in many houses after being connected to a bacterial epidemic. Sometimes the four types of non -sterile non -alcoholic wipes used to clean the skin or wounds were withdrawn from the sale. Between 2018 and 2025, Burkholderia Stabilis and 51 infection cases are confirmed and linked to handkerchiefs. Authorities said that death did not occur, but some serious infections require hospital treatment.
Three of the products – Valueaid non -alcoholic cleaning handkerchiefs, microfhe damp wiping alcohol and steroplast steroplast non -alcoholic cleaning wipes – contaminated with bacteria. A fourth product, non -alcoholic cleaning handkerchiefs, were contaminated with another strain that was not connected to outbreaks.
Epidemiology and Public Health Consultant James Elston, Ukhsa said: “The general risk for the public remains very low, while non -sterile alcohol -free wiping products are connected to the Burkholderia stabilis epidemic.
“It is important that such handkerchiefs are not used for injuries, wounds or broken skin treatment and not to be used to clean intravenous lines.
“UKHSA revealed the connection of this outbreak through the testing of handkerchiefs used by patients and worked quickly to report health professionals through a patient safety warning, strengthened the existing infection prevention and control guidance.
The products are sometimes found in first aid kits and in people’s homes, but are not routinely used in NHS and are not approved by MHRA for medical purposes.
Anyone with one of the products is called not to use them and throw them into home wastes.
Ukhsa recommends that you should only use sterile marked handkerchiefs on broken skin with wounds, scratches or blood visible.
Mhra Chief Security Officer Dr Alison Cave said: uz We see handkerchiefs designed for a medical purpose as medicine. These products do not have medicine authority and we take appropriate measures to ensure the compliance of the valid legislation managed by MHRA.
“If these handkerchiefs are at home or in the first aid kit, please check the label and use only wipes marked with ‘sterile’ on broken skin. It is recommended to healthcare professionals to follow national instructions and information. Patient Safety Warning From Ukhsa.
“It is recommended that everyone who uses non -alcoholic handkerchiefs and has concerns about potential infection is recommended to talk to a healthcare professional.”
