The article provides a comprehensive review of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of March 5, 2020, there were approximately 96,000 reported cases and 3,300 deaths worldwide. The virus is transmitted through inhalation or contact with infected droplets, with an incubation period ranging from 2 to 14 days. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, fatigue, and malaise. Most cases are mild, but some progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ dysfunction, particularly in the elderly and those with comorbidities. Diagnosis is primarily through molecular tests, and treatment is supportive, with antiviral agents' role yet to be established. Prevention involves home isolation of suspected cases and strict infection control measures in hospitals. The virus spreads faster than its ancestors, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, but has a lower fatality rate. The global impact of the epidemic remains uncertain, and ongoing efforts focus on understanding and controlling the virus.The article provides a comprehensive review of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of March 5, 2020, there were approximately 96,000 reported cases and 3,300 deaths worldwide. The virus is transmitted through inhalation or contact with infected droplets, with an incubation period ranging from 2 to 14 days. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, fatigue, and malaise. Most cases are mild, but some progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ dysfunction, particularly in the elderly and those with comorbidities. Diagnosis is primarily through molecular tests, and treatment is supportive, with antiviral agents' role yet to be established. Prevention involves home isolation of suspected cases and strict infection control measures in hospitals. The virus spreads faster than its ancestors, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, but has a lower fatality rate. The global impact of the epidemic remains uncertain, and ongoing efforts focus on understanding and controlling the virus.