Illustration of a Nipah (Henipavirus sp.) virus particle, showing surface proteins (pink and blue) on in its outer protein coat (capsid). The two surface proteins on its capsid are called the fusion (F) protein (blue) and glycoprotein (G) protein (red). The G protein binds to the receptor of the host cell, allowing the virus to attach to the cell before entry. The F protein allows for the virus to enter by fusing the host cell's membrane with its own membrane. This virus is zoonotic (transmitted to humans from animals) and has been associated with encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Nipah virus infection is characterised by fever and drowsiness and more serious central nervous system disease, such as coma, seizures and an inability to maintain breathing. It was first described in Malaysia and Singapore in pig farmers but is also found in the wild in bats.