Health authorities warn that some wet wipes should not be used.
According to the authorities, some of the products may be contaminated with bacteria and could therefore pose a risk if used to clean the skin or wounds.
The products have previously been withdrawn from the market, but authorities point out that they may still be present in private homes.
Many people keep first-aid supplies for several years without checking their contents.
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Non-sterile wet wipes are sometimes used to clean the skin or the area around minor wounds.
However, health authorities stress that they should not be used on damaged skin or in connection with medical equipment such as intravenous lines.
59 confirmed cases of infection
According to health authorities, several cases of infection have been recorded and subsequently investigated in greater detail.
An analysis published in the scientific journal Eurosurveillance shows that 59 confirmed cases were recorded between June 2018 and February 2026.
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During the same period, five patients died as a result of the infection, while one additional death is considered likely to be related to the outbreak.
Authorities assess that the risk to the general population is low but emphasize that people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable.
Four specific products linked to the outbreak
Investigations have, according to health authorities, found the bacterium Burkholderia stabilis in several products.
The bacterium normally occurs in nature, including in soil and water, but can cause infections if it enters the body through damaged skin.
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Tests showed that four types of alcohol-free wet wipes were contaminated.
These include ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the recorded cases have been identified in the United Kingdom.
Sources: LADbible, UK Health Security Agency, and Eurosurveillance.
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