UKHSA stated that Burkholderia generally poses little risk to healthy people but can cause severe infections for those with weakened immune systems, IV lines at home, or specific medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

A UK public health warning warns that four brands of non-sterile, alcohol-free wet wipes contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis have been linked to an outbreak causing infections and six deaths in the UK since 2018.

The four brands identified as unsafe are ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, though testing noted a Burkholderia strain in Reliwipe not related to the outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and MHRA have issued a fresh warning not to use four specific brands of non-sterile, alcohol-free wet wipes due to contamination with Burkholderia stabilis, a bacterium that can cause serious infections in vulnerable individuals.

Officials note the overall public risk remains very low, but vulnerable patients may still be affected, and health authorities have issued safety alerts and continued infection prevention guidance.

Symptoms of Burkholderia infection vary by site but can include wound infection signs, IV line infection signs, or sepsis in more serious cases; NHS 111 should be contacted if concerns arise.

The MHRA had earlier issued notices to sellers in July 2025 prompting removal of these products from sale, but some may still be in homes or first-aid kits.

Burkholderia stabilis is a bacteria found in soil and water that can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, and can lead to sepsis in severe cases.

The outbreak began in January 2018 and continued through February 3, 2026, with ongoing cases and at least one death linked to Burkholderia stabilis infections.

There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis infections in the UK from 2018 to February 3, 2026, with five confirmed deaths and one probable death attributed to the outbreak.

Public guidance emphasizes stopping use of these products immediately and disposing of them; affected wipes may still be found in first-aid kits and homes, so consumers should check and discard if present.

The contaminated products were withdrawn from sale last year, but may still be found in households and first aid kits, and should not be used on broken skin or around wounds; they should be disposed of in household waste.