Since June 2018, the UK has recorded 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis infections, a rare but potentially deadly bacterial outbreak linked to contaminated alcohol-free wipes. Alarmingly, six deaths—including five confirmed cases and one probable—have now been connected to these products, raising serious public health concerns.
The ages of affected patients spanned from infants under one year old to the elderly at 93, with 15 cases involving children and teenagers under 19. While infections remain uncommon, the risk is particularly high for vulnerable individuals such as those with weakened immune systems, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients, and people living with cystic fibrosis.
What Is Burkholderia StabilIs?
Burkholderia bacteria are naturally found in soil and water. They typically do not pose a threat to healthy individuals, but infections can occur when the bacteria enter the body through broken or damaged skin. Ironically, the very products intended to prevent infection—alcohol-free wipes—have been identified as the culprit in this outbreak.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), all 59 cases of Burkholderia stabilis were linked to the use of non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products. The outbreak strain, Burkholderia stabilis ST480, has prompted an urgent review of hygiene practices and first aid protocols across the country.
The Brands Involved
The following products have been confirmed to carry the contaminated strain:
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ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
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Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
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Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
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Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (though testing showed its contamination was not related to outbreak cases)
All four brands have been withdrawn from shop shelves, but health officials warn that they may still be hiding in people’s homes and first aid kits, potentially putting unsuspecting users at risk.
Why Alcohol-Free Wipes Can Be Risky
Alcohol-free wipes are often marketed as safe for sensitive skin, children, and wound care. However, if these wipes are not sterile, bacteria like Burkholderia stabilis can survive and even thrive in the moist environment of the wipe, entering the body through cuts, scratches, or open wounds.
