This article provides a comprehensive review of the current understanding of COVID-19, based on published evidence. The authors discuss the characteristics of the virus, its epidemiology, transmission, and clinical features, as well as prevention and treatment strategies. The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and was officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2020. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a member of the β-coronavirus cluster, similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus is believed to have originated from bats and transmitted to humans through an unknown intermediate host. The article highlights the rapid spread of the virus, with a significant increase in confirmed cases in China and other regions. Key epidemiological findings include a higher case fatality rate among older adults and males, with a median age of death around 75 years. Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and dyspnea, with a high prevalence of pneumonia on chest CT scans. The article also discusses the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for super-spreaders in the transmission of the virus. Currently, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19, and management focuses on symptomatic treatments and supportive care. The authors emphasize the need for further research to develop effective vaccines and treatments, as well as to address the risk of pulmonary fibrosis in recovered patients.This article provides a comprehensive review of the current understanding of COVID-19, based on published evidence. The authors discuss the characteristics of the virus, its epidemiology, transmission, and clinical features, as well as prevention and treatment strategies. The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and was officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2020. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a member of the β-coronavirus cluster, similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus is believed to have originated from bats and transmitted to humans through an unknown intermediate host. The article highlights the rapid spread of the virus, with a significant increase in confirmed cases in China and other regions. Key epidemiological findings include a higher case fatality rate among older adults and males, with a median age of death around 75 years. Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and dyspnea, with a high prevalence of pneumonia on chest CT scans. The article also discusses the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for super-spreaders in the transmission of the virus. Currently, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19, and management focuses on symptomatic treatments and supportive care. The authors emphasize the need for further research to develop effective vaccines and treatments, as well as to address the risk of pulmonary fibrosis in recovered patients.