The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are advising the public to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes and to dispose of them.
During investigation of an outbreak, certain wipes were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis, News Cover reports, citing UK government.
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
In addition, testing also revealed contamination of Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, although the contamination was deemed to be with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases.
These products which may have been used for ‘skin cleansing’ and cleaning in or around wounds have been withdrawn from sale but may still be found in some first aid kits and in people’s homes.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 above), 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.
This notice relates only to the products listed above. However, the public are 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. You should follow NHS guidance when treating cuts and grazes. Patients who have intravenous lines in place are advised to follow instructions of their medical team in the care of these.
