Burkholderia stabilis infections associated with non-sterile alcohol-free wipes: ongoing risk to patients
UKHSA are providing an update to previous advice regarding contaminated non-sterile alcohol-free wipes in response to continuing detection of cases and a recent death attributable to Burkholderia stabilis infection.
There have been 59 confirmed cases in an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis identified in the United Kingdom from 2018 and up to 3 February 2026, associated with several non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products. These have included some serious infections in addition to the attributable death.
Patient groups at highest risk include:
- patients managed at home with intravascular devices
- immunocompromised individuals
- individuals with other risk factors such as cystic fibrosis
No person-to-person transmission has been identified.
Health professionals are asked to be aware of recommendations as issued in the National Patient Safety Alert from 26 June 2025, in particular:
- For intravascular access device care: ensure local guidance and practice reflects National Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in NHS Hospitals in England (EPIC3). Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are not suitable for this purpose.
- Ensure that patients in the community with intravascular devices are aware to only use wipes if instructed to by their clinical team. These patients should only use wipes provided or recommended by their clinical team in accordance with recommendation 1 (above). Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are not suitable. All patients with intravascular devices need this information even if they have not been instructed to access their line. Incorporate this into local guidance, patient education and information.
- Community healthcare providers should advise patients to only use wipes marked as sterile on any broken skin including wounds. Ensure that local guidance, practice and patient information reflects NHS guidance.
Please ensure that both new and established patients with longstanding intravascular devices are aware of the updated advice: Public advised to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes.
As previously communicated, the following products were found to be contaminated with the strain of Burkholderia stabilis causing the current outbreak:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
Testing also revealed contamination of Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases.
These products, which may have been used for ‘skin cleansing’ and cleaning in or around wounds have been withdrawn from sale, but may still be found in some first aid kits and in people’s homes. Patients should be advised to check for these wipes in their home, including in first aid kits. Those who still have any of the affected products should stop using them immediately and dispose of them in standard household waste. Health and care providers are also advised to proactively check that any first aid kits being used in routine care do not include these items. If found, they should be immediately removed from use and disposed of appropriately.
Email address for queries: HCAIAMR.IOIG@ukhsa.gov.uk