The novel Wuhan Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which gets its "corona" name from its crown-like shape, was first reported on Dec 31, 2019, in Wuhan, China's seventh most populous city (11.08 million people).
It has been closely linked to coronaviruses found in bats and snakes, and could have initially spread in the Huanan seafood wholesale market. China has confirmed human-to-human transmission, akin to the flu, and hence its rapid spread globally.
Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and respiratory stress. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death. Most of the people who have died reportedly were elderly (70+) and had compromised immune systems.
The virus has a 10 to 14 day incubation period where people could be infected and contagious without showing symptoms.
There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease.
To reduce the risk of infection, the WHO is urging the public to be diligent about basic hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when coughing, avoid contact with anyone who is sick, avoid contact with live animals, and avoid consumption of raw/undercooked animal products.