Mers outbreak in the UK: Manchester Royal Infirmary A&E shuts down after two suspected cases

An Accident and Emergency department in Manchester has been shut down following two suspected cases of Mers-CoV (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus).

The NHS confirmed the A&E department at the Manchester Royal Infirmary has been closed in a statement, saying medical officers are currently examining two patients suspected of having the virus.

"Both patients have been isolated for ongoing clinical treatment and management of their condition," the statement from Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said.

"We would like to reassure our patients and the general public that there is no significant risk to public health. Manchester Royal Infirmary Accident and Emergency Department will be closed until further notice while further investigations take place."

Mers-CoV is a respiratory virus that was first discovered in 2012. It is believed to have been passed to humans from camels. It has since spread across over 25 countries, with over 500 deaths recorded.