Prince of Wales Hospital staff have been praised for their efforts in hindering the spread of the pneumonia outbreak.

Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang has sent a letter to the hospital's chief executive Dr Fung Hong commending staff for their professional attitude in caring for patients despite the pneumonia threat.

Mr Tsang said: "I extend my deepest thanks on behalf of all of Hong Kong people for the dedication and professionalism of your colleagues in extremely trying circumstances over these past two weeks."

Mr Tsang also wished a speedy and full recovery for all hospital staff and their families who have fallen ill.

"Working in the health sector, and administering to the sick and infirm, is a noble calling in life. And this is why it is especially distressing to see our health sector workers suffering as a result of their care and concern for their patients. The one consolation we can take is that we know they are all in good hands thanks to the excellent staff and equipment we are fortunate to have in Hong Kong."

Mr Tsang hailed the "spirit of service" of hospital staff amid the stress and anxiety of dealing with the mysterious illness and the strain on resources it has caused.

"This reflects enormously well on the devotion to duty of our healthcare workers in Hong Kong," he said. "You have all given more than could be expected to ensure that the hospital continues to operate and serve the needs of the community."

Mr Tsang also applauded Chinese University Professor John Tam and his colleagues for their "tireless efforts" in identifying the virus, which he said was a great credit to the professionalism, experience, knowledge and dedication of Hong Kong's medical community.

"The extensive, around-the-clock clinical work your team has undertaken to isolate the pathogen could well be the turning point in global efforts to diagnose and treat this particular form of atypical pneumonia," Mr Tsang wrote in his letter to Professor Tam.

Mr Tsang added that their work showed "Hong Kong takes its international responsibilities seriously and we have the world-class ability and talent needed to deal with global public health issues".