The outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), later named COVID-19, began in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread globally. The disease, caused by a novel beta-coronavirus, was officially named by the WHO on February 11, 2020. It is a zoonotic disease with a low to moderate mortality rate (estimated 2%-5%). Person-to-person transmission occurs through droplet or contact transmission, and without proper infection control, it poses a risk to healthcare workers. There is currently no approved treatment for COVID-19, though several drugs are under investigation. The initial outbreak was linked to a seafood market in Wuhan, where about 66% of staff were affected. The market was closed on January 1, 2020, following an epidemiological alert. The disease spread rapidly, affecting many countries, including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Singapore. As of February 6, 2020, over 28,276 confirmed cases were reported globally, with 565 deaths. The virus belongs to the genus beta-coronavirus and is related to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. It is believed to have originated from bats, with possible intermediate hosts in the wet market. The virus can infect humans through the ACE2 receptor and may spread via droplets or contact. It has been detected in nasal discharge, sputum, and sometimes blood or feces. The incubation period is approximately 5.2 days, and symptoms include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Severe cases can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure. Diagnosis involves clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory criteria, including RT-PCR testing and chest imaging. Prevention measures include avoiding travel to affected areas, practicing good hygiene, and using personal protective equipment in healthcare settings. There is no vaccine available, and treatment remains supportive. Experimental therapies, such as remdesivir and convalescent plasma, are being studied. In conclusion, COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease with a low to moderate mortality rate. Preventive measures and strict infection control are crucial to controlling the outbreak. Clinicians should consider the possibility of infection in patients with travel or exposure history and compatible symptoms.The outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), later named COVID-19, began in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread globally. The disease, caused by a novel beta-coronavirus, was officially named by the WHO on February 11, 2020. It is a zoonotic disease with a low to moderate mortality rate (estimated 2%-5%). Person-to-person transmission occurs through droplet or contact transmission, and without proper infection control, it poses a risk to healthcare workers. There is currently no approved treatment for COVID-19, though several drugs are under investigation. The initial outbreak was linked to a seafood market in Wuhan, where about 66% of staff were affected. The market was closed on January 1, 2020, following an epidemiological alert. The disease spread rapidly, affecting many countries, including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Singapore. As of February 6, 2020, over 28,276 confirmed cases were reported globally, with 565 deaths. The virus belongs to the genus beta-coronavirus and is related to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. It is believed to have originated from bats, with possible intermediate hosts in the wet market. The virus can infect humans through the ACE2 receptor and may spread via droplets or contact. It has been detected in nasal discharge, sputum, and sometimes blood or feces. The incubation period is approximately 5.2 days, and symptoms include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Severe cases can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure. Diagnosis involves clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory criteria, including RT-PCR testing and chest imaging. Prevention measures include avoiding travel to affected areas, practicing good hygiene, and using personal protective equipment in healthcare settings. There is no vaccine available, and treatment remains supportive. Experimental therapies, such as remdesivir and convalescent plasma, are being studied. In conclusion, COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease with a low to moderate mortality rate. Preventive measures and strict infection control are crucial to controlling the outbreak. Clinicians should consider the possibility of infection in patients with travel or exposure history and compatible symptoms.