Infections linked to wipes which may have been used to clean cuts
It comes after an outbreak of a bacteria, burkholderia stabilis (B. stabilis).
There have been 51 confirmed cases of B. stabilis between 2018 and 2025, with 'some serious infections which have required hospital treatment', the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
Health chiefs said the outbreak is 'suspected to be associated with some non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products'.
UKHSA and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are advising people to stop using the products, which they may find in their at-home first aid kit, and to put them in the bin.
This includes: ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes; Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free and Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes.
Testing also found contamination of Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, though with a different strain of the bacteria linked to the outbreak.
While the warning only relates to the wipes listed, officials have reminded the public that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for the treatment of wounds.
Dr James Elston, consultant in epidemiology at the 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.
'When treating cuts and grazes, it is important to follow NHS advice.'
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA's chief safety officer, added: '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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: UK warning over rise in cases
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds, with most children getting an RSV infection at least once before they turn two years old. However, it can cause "serious breathing problems", and following a record number of RSV cases in Australia, the UK is being warned over a similar rise here. NHS officials said that the Australian winter is often a good predictor of how viruses will spread in England. What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus? Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections are described as "very common" by the NHS , but can cause serious illness in the elderly and young children. Despite typically being unserious, some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill from RSV. The virus is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis in babies, which can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital. There is a vaccine for RSV, which, as the NHS explains, is recommended if: You're pregnant (from 28 weeks of pregnancy) – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born You're aged 75 to 79 Last week, the UK Health Security Agency published data showing the efficacy of the vaccine. It was revealed that the jab for pregnant women can prevent 72% of hospital admissions for their babies. Meanwhile, the UKHSA said the vaccine is 82% effective at preventing hospital admissions for RSV among older adults. Symptoms of an RSV infection The NHS says symptoms of an RSV infection typically start within a few days of getting infected. Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as: a runny or blocked nose a cough sneezing tiredness a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills) It says that babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual. What is RSV? 💭 It's a respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in the elderly & young children. If a woman has the vaccination during pregnancy, it cuts the risk of serious lung infection caused by #RSV in her baby's first 6 months Read more: — UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) August 4, 2025 However, if the virus leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis), it may also cause: a cough that gets worse shortness of breath faster breathing or long gaps between breaths difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite noisy breathing (wheezing) confusion (in older adults) Warning to UK over rise in RSV cases Health experts have warned that the UK should brace for a surge in RSV following a record number of cases in Australia. Officials have said that cases have been steadily increasing in England since the start of 2025, and NHS England has urged pregnant women to get the vaccine to protect newborn babies. It said that the virus is a leading cause of death among babies and the main cause of hospital admissions for children. Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: 'While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation. 'Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating.' Recommended reading: Pregnant women can get the jab from 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards through their maternity services or GP surgery. Older adults aged 75-79 are also eligible for the jab. NHS England will start inviting people to come forward in the next few weeks.
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
Why are measles cases still rising in the UK?
More than one in 10 children under the age of five haven't had their MMR vaccine 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Measles cases have continued to increase across the UK. More than one in 10 children under the age of five in England haven't had the MMR vaccine. Since the last report on July 3, there has been an increase of 145 cases. Health officials are warning parents to get their children vaccinated. Parents are being urged to vaccinate their children against measles after cases continue to increase across the UK. More than one in 10 children under the age of five in England haven't had their Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or are only partially vaccinated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Measles is highly contagious and can have serious complications. Parents are being urged to ensure children are protected with two doses of the MMR vaccine at the right time. The latest data on cases in England from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that 145 measles cases have been reported since its last publication on July 3. Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said: 'The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins. It is never too late to catch up. Do not put it off and regret it later.' Cases of measles have been increasing rapidly. |Is there a measles outbreak? Measles cases have been on the rise since January 1. Latest data from the UKHSA shows that there have been 674 laboratory-confirmed cases reported in England, an increase of 145 cases since the last report on July 3, 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Of those cases 48% (322) have been in London, 16% (111) in the North West, and 10% (65) in the East of England. Why are measles cases still rising in the UK? Cases of measles are still rising due to a global increase in cases combined with a decline in the uptake of the MMR vaccine. In the UK, vaccination rates are well below the World Health Organisation's (WHO) target of 95%, leaving thousands of children unprotected. How to check if your child has had the MMR vaccine If you are unsure whether your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations, you can check their vaccination Red Book or contact your GP practice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: 'The MMR vaccine is provided free by the NHS and I would urge all parents to check their child's vaccination records before the new school year or summer travel, particularly as Europe is reporting the highest number of measles cases in 25 years.' The first MMR vaccine is offered to babies aged one, with the second dose given to pre-school children around 3 years and 4 months. The UKHSA states that around 99% of those who have both doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe. Anyone, at any age, who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment.
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
Why are measles cases still rising in the UK?
More than one in 10 children under the age of five haven't had their MMR vaccine 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Measles cases have continued to increase across the UK. More than one in 10 children under the age of five in England haven't had the MMR vaccine. Since the last report on July 3, there has been an increase of 145 cases. Health officials are warning parents to get their children vaccinated. Parents are being urged to vaccinate their children against measles after cases continue to increase across the UK. More than one in 10 children under the age of five in England haven't had their Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or are only partially vaccinated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Measles is highly contagious and can have serious complications. Parents are being urged to ensure children are protected with two doses of the MMR vaccine at the right time. The latest data on cases in England from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that 145 measles cases have been reported since its last publication on July 3. Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said: 'The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins. It is never too late to catch up. Do not put it off and regret it later.' Cases of measles have been increasing rapidly. |Is there a measles outbreak? Measles cases have been on the rise since January 1. Latest data from the UKHSA shows that there have been 674 laboratory-confirmed cases reported in England, an increase of 145 cases since the last report on July 3, 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Of those cases 48% (322) have been in London, 16% (111) in the North West, and 10% (65) in the East of England. Why are measles cases still rising in the UK? Cases of measles are still rising due to a global increase in cases combined with a decline in the uptake of the MMR vaccine. In the UK, vaccination rates are well below the World Health Organisation's (WHO) target of 95%, leaving thousands of children unprotected. How to check if your child has had the MMR vaccine If you are unsure whether your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations, you can check their vaccination Red Book or contact your GP practice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: 'The MMR vaccine is provided free by the NHS and I would urge all parents to check their child's vaccination records before the new school year or summer travel, particularly as Europe is reporting the highest number of measles cases in 25 years.' The first MMR vaccine is offered to babies aged one, with the second dose given to pre-school children around 3 years and 4 months. The UKHSA states that around 99% of those who have both doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe. Anyone, at any age, who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of measles and how to get a MMR vaccine at
