Key symptoms to be aware of as four 'contaminated' wet wipe brands linked to six deaths

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared the signs which may indicate that you've been infected by contaminated wipes.

There have been at least six deaths which have been linked to using potentially contaminated skin cleansing wipes in the UK since 2018, according to a study in Eurosurveillance.

Four wipe brands have been revealed to be particularly susceptible to contamination by a strain of bacteria called Burkholderia stabilis (B. stabilis).

In serious cases, being infected by it can lead to sepsis and even death.

It's a smart idea to make sure your first aid kits are stocked up with the right things, as warnings from both the UKHSA and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have been issued over 'an ongoing risk of infection associated with their use'.

What is B. stabilis?

This bacteria is found naturally in the environment, such as in soil and water.

However, it can cause big issues if it finds a way into your body, especially with a weakened immune system.

People more at risk include those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or those with conditions that affect immune function or cystic fibrosis, if they are exposed to the bacteria.

Infections can occur through 'contact with contaminated products on broken or damaged skin', or through 'introduction of bacteria through medical devices such as intravenous lines'.

What are the symptoms of a B. 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," the UKHSA said.

Patients were aged between 0 and 93, with 15 of them aged 19 or younger.

The agency highlighted the main symptoms as:

• Wound or skin symptoms - this can include swelling, redness, increased pain, warmth around a wound or break in skin, and pus or other drainage from this
• IV line infections - any redness, pain or swelling around the insertion site
• Symptoms of an infection - fever, chills, or feeling unwell
• Serious cases may reveal indicators of sepsis - this can include pale or blotchy skin, a rash that does not fade when glass is rolled over it, or a shortness of breath

The UKHSA further warned: "If you have concerns about a wound that isn't healing properly or you develop a fever following an injury, contact NHS 111 immediately."

Which wipes have been contaminated?

According to the UKHSA, four brands of non-sterile wipes were 'found to be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis'.

These are as follows:

• ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
• Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
• Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
• Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for first aid purposes, says the UKHSA, and they definitely shouldn't be used on broken or damaged skin, or used to clean intravenous lines.

Any wipes manufactured by these brands should be removed from your medicine cupboards, as they were withdrawn from sale in July 2025 after the MHRA got involved.

These wipes were 'not marketed as general use wet wipes or as baby wipes', but while testing revealed that Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes were tainted with Burkholderia, experts believe that another strain wasn't related to outbreak cases.