The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued a reminder warning to steer clear of four specific brands of wet wipes. This follows their testing positive for a potentially lethal bacterium.

These brands have been connected to 62 reported illnesses and six fatalities in the UK. The public has been instructed not to use four particular non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products under any circumstances due to an ongoing risk of infection associated with their use, reports the Mirror.

In a recent post on X by the UKHSA today (March 12), the government agency stated: “Burkholderia found in certain wipes. #Burkholderia is a bacteria that rarely causes harm in healthy people but sometimes causes serious infections, particularly for those with certain medical conditions or managing IV lines at home.”

It further added: “If you own any of these wipes, we remind you to stop using them. These products should not be used, please check your first aid kits and if you find any, dispose of them.”

During outbreak investigations in 2025, the following products were discovered 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 wipe products. This 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 have been severe, requiring hospital treatment, and there has been one death linked to Burkholderia stabilis infection.

Burkholderia stabilis is a type of bacteria that occurs naturally and typically doesn’t make healthy people ill. The risk of infection is extremely low for most people.

However, people with weakened immune systems, those with other health conditions like cystic fibrosis, and patients who have intravenous lines at home are more susceptible to an infection. So far, there has been no evidence of the bacteria transmitting from one person to another.

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

People should search for these wipes at home, particularly in first-aid kits. If anyone possesses any of the affected products, they should cease using them immediately and dispose of them with regular household waste.

What are the symptoms of a Burkholderia stabilis infection?

Symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. But they can include the following:

• Symptoms of a wound infection can include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around a wound or break in skin, and pus or other drainage from the wound/break in skin.
• Symptoms of infection involving an intravenous line can include redness, swelling, or pain around the insertion site/or fever and chills.
• In more serious cases, symptoms are associated with bloodstream infection (sepsis). Sepsis has many possible symptoms, including confusion, a rash, and difficulty breathing.

If you have concerns about a wound that isn’t healing properly, or if you develop a fever after an injury, the UKHSA advises you to “contact NHS 111 immediately”. If you have an intravenous line and have any concerns, you should contact your care team.