The article provides an update on the origin, transmission, and clinical therapies of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The virus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has spread globally, leading to over 87,000 confirmed cases and 2,977 deaths as of March 1, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is a β-coronavirus that shares high sequence identity with bat coronaviruses, suggesting bats as the natural host. The virus primarily spreads through the respiratory tract via droplets and direct contact, with a high transmissibility among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Clinical symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and in some cases, gastrointestinal issues. The virus uses the ACE2 receptor to infect human cells, similar to SARS-CoV. Current treatments focus on symptomatic and respiratory support, with remdesivir, chloroquine, and lopinavir/ritonavir showing potential as antiviral candidates. The article also discusses the immune response and immunopathology associated with COVID-19, highlighting the role of cytokine storms in severe cases. Despite ongoing research, more studies are needed to fully understand the transmission and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2.The article provides an update on the origin, transmission, and clinical therapies of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The virus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has spread globally, leading to over 87,000 confirmed cases and 2,977 deaths as of March 1, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is a β-coronavirus that shares high sequence identity with bat coronaviruses, suggesting bats as the natural host. The virus primarily spreads through the respiratory tract via droplets and direct contact, with a high transmissibility among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Clinical symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and in some cases, gastrointestinal issues. The virus uses the ACE2 receptor to infect human cells, similar to SARS-CoV. Current treatments focus on symptomatic and respiratory support, with remdesivir, chloroquine, and lopinavir/ritonavir showing potential as antiviral candidates. The article also discusses the immune response and immunopathology associated with COVID-19, highlighting the role of cytokine storms in severe cases. Despite ongoing research, more studies are needed to fully understand the transmission and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2.