Brits told to bin three brands of wet wipes now in urgent bacteria warning
Three brands of wet wipe have been flagged as risks to the public. The UK Health Security Agency issued a warning that they have been contaminated with bacteria.
The health agency is urging the public to avoid using the non-sterile alcohol-free wipes due to the risk of infection, and to dispose of them as soon as possible.
While overall risk to the public is low, households should check their cupboards for the wipes, which should be binned and not used. The infected wipes included products from ValueAid, Microsafe and Steroplast.
UKHSA said: "These products which may have been used for 'skin cleansing' and cleaning in or around wounds have been withdrawn from sale but may still be found in some first aid kits and in people's homes. These products are not routinely used in the NHS.
"If you have these products [listed below], you are advised not to use them and to dispose of them in your household waste as a precautionary measure given the potential for contamination."
The Mirror reports that the following products have been found to be affected:
ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
The wipes have been infected with Burkholderia stabilis, a type of bacteria which usually doesn't affect those with healthy immune systems, but can pose risks to those who are immunocompromised or have weaker immune systems.
Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, said: "While the overall risk to the public remains very low, a number of non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products have been linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis.
"It is important these types of wipes are not used for the treatment of injuries, wounds, or broken skin, and that they are not used to clean intravenous lines.
"UKHSA uncovered the link to this outbreak through testing of wipes used by patients and worked quickly to notify health professionals through a patient safety alert, reinforcing existing infection prevention and control guidance. When treating cuts and grazes, it is important to follow NHS advice."
The public are also being reminded that "non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for the treatment of injuries, wounds or on broken skin, nor should they be used for cleaning intravenous lines, as they are not appropriate for these purposes and their safety cannot be guaranteed."
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "We consider wipes which are intended for a medical purpose to be medicines.
"These products do not have a medicines authorisation, and we are taking appropriate action to ensure compliance with the requirements of the applicable legislation governed by MHRA.
"If you have these wipes at home or in a first aid kit, please check the label and only use wipes marked as 'sterile' on broken skin. Healthcare professionals are advised to follow instructions and information provided in the national patient safety alert from UKHSA.
"Anyone who has used alcohol-free wipes and has concerns about potential infection is advised to speak with a healthcare professional."
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