Health officials were investigating two suspected cases of the Middle Eastern respiratory virus syndrome (MERS) on Monday at a hospital in northern England that briefly closed its emergency department.

The two suspected patients at Manchester Royal Infirmary were placed in isolation, but there was no significant risk to others at the hospital or to the general public, Central Manchester University Hospitals Trust said.

"Both patients were isolated for on-going management of their condition while tests took place. One patient has now been relocated to North Manchester General. Results of the tests are still pending," the hospital said in a statement.