Alcohol free wipes - Safety update

Read about the UK Health Security Agency investigation of Burkholderia stabilis bacteria in alcohol free, non-sterile skin cleansing wipe products.

  • What has happened?

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has looked into an outbreak (a sudden spread) of a bacteria or germ called Burkholderia stabilis (B. stabilis). Their tests found that some alcohol-free, non-sterile skin cleaning wipes that people can buy may have the germ in them.

    Some people are more likely to get very sick if they come into contact with B. stabilis. These people include those who:

    • Have intravenous lines (special tubes that give medicine straight into the blood), and
    • Have cystic fibrosis (CF)

    You should not use non-sterile, alcohol-free wipes. Thay may increase your risk of infection. Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used to treat injuries, wounds or on broken skin.

    There have been no reports of people with CF being infected by contaminated wipes.

  • What is B. stabilis?

    B. stabilis is a type of bacteria, or tiny germs. Usually, it does not make people sick but sometimes, it can cause an infection in people who have CF.

  • How does the bacteria affect people with CF?

    B. stabilis can sometimes infect the lungs or breathing tubes of people with CF. If this happens, they can become very sick.

    In this outbreak, B. stabilis has caused infections in wounds and in intravenous lines, the tubes used for giving medicine into your veins. So far, no one with CF has been affected.

  • What are the symptoms of infection?

    Signs that an intravenous line is infected may include:

    • Fever (high temperature)
    • Chills (feeling cold and shivery)
    • Redness, swelling, or pain around where the line goes into the skin

    Signs of a wound infection may include:

    • Redness and swelling
    • More pain than usual
    • Warm skin around the wound
    • Pus or other liquid coming from the wound

  • What brand/type of products are affected?

    Do not use any non-sterile, alcohol free wipes for cleaning wounds, ports or lines into your veins.

    The warning only refers to non-sterile, alcohol-free medical wipes. These are the kind of wipes you may see in first aid kits or medical care kits for cleansing wounds. They will be labelled non-sterile.  Do not use these non-sterile wipes. Dispose of any of these wipes that you have.

    The following products are affected:

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

    The warning does not apply to the following:

    • Antibacterial wipes for cleaning your home
    • Antibacterial hand wipes and gels
    • Face wipes
    • Baby wet wipes

    None of the items in this list should be used to clean open wounds, stoma sites or lines into your veins.

  • What are sterile and non-sterile wipes?

    Non-sterile medical wipes are the kind of wipes you may see in first aid kits or medical care kits for cleansing wounds. They will be labelled non-sterile and you should not use them. Dispose of any of these wipes that you have. 

    Sterile wipes will be labelled as sterile or alcohol. There are two types: 

    • Alcohol wipes
    • Alcohol free wipes that are clearly labelled as sterile.

    The warning refers only to non-sterile, alcohol-free medical wipes.

  • What should I do?

    UKHSA has told doctors and nurses to follow safety rules. These rules include using the right kind of wipes for cleaning wounds and intravenous lines.

    Only use wipes marked ‘sterile’ when cleaning wounds or broken skin.

    If you have any of the following, you should not use non-sterile wipes and you should follow the advice given by your medical team:

    • intravenous line (a line straight into your veins),
    • gastrostomy (tubes and buttons),
    • stoma sites,
    • medical devices,
    • subcutaneous (under the skin) monitors such as those for diabetic monitoring.

  • Who should I talk to if I have questions or concerns?

    If you are worried about your health, or if you have questions about the wipes or this alert, talk to your CF medical team.

dom on laptop

Here to help

If you’re struggling with any aspect of cystic fibrosis, we’re here to help. Contact our Helpline for support, a listening ear or just someone to talk to.

Get support