Health authorities have issued a serious warning after several wipe products were linked to a bacterial outbreak that has caused dozens of infections and at least six deaths. Officials say the contaminated products were connected to a dangerous bacterium known as Burkholderia stabilis.

The outbreak has been monitored in the United Kingdom for several years, with health officials confirming dozens of infections since 2018. Most cases occurred in people who already had weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Investigations traced the infections back to certain non-sterile, alcohol-free cleansing wipes, which may have become contaminated during the manufacturing process. Because these wipes are sometimes used for wound cleaning or personal hygiene, the risk of infection increased for vulnerable individuals.

Health officials specifically named four wipe brands that were found to be contaminated and should not be used. The products include:

  • ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

  • Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free

  • Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

  • Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

Authorities say these wipes have already been removed from store shelves, but some may still remain in homes, workplaces, or first-aid kits. Anyone who still has them is being urged to stop using them immediately and dispose of them safely.

The bacterium involved is commonly found in soil and water and rarely affects healthy individuals. However, it can lead to serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or those receiving certain medical treatments.

Symptoms of infection may include redness, swelling, discharge from wounds, or in severe cases bloodstream infections requiring hospital treatment. Experts stress that the overall risk to the general public remains low, but caution is still advised.

Health agencies continue to monitor the situation and remind people to only use wipes clearly labeled “sterile” when treating wounds or broken skin to reduce the risk of infection.