UKHSA Health Protection : Update – Outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis ST480 linked to non-sterile alcohol-free skin cleansing wipe products

Please note: This is being cascaded on behalf of UK Health Security Agency

Dear colleagues,

This is an update on the continuing outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis ST480 linked to non-sterile alcohol-free wipes.

UKHSA previously issued a National Patient Safety Alert (NatPSA, 26 June 2025) and a joint press release with MHRA (04 August 2025).

Key updates:

• UKHSA have issued an urgent public health message and an updated press release on 05 February 2026
• 7 additional cases have been identified with a specimen date after the issue of the NatPSA and the prior press release. These have included some clinically significant and severe infections and one attributable death.
• The total number of cases in the UK linked to this outbreak is now 62 (59 confirmed).   

The attached letter explains possible clinical presentation, management of possible cases and recommendations.