Malaria
Malaria is infection with Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, causing fever and potentially severe organ disease.
Key points
- Fever during or after travel in a malaria-risk area needs prompt testing even when prophylaxis was taken.
- Thick and thin blood films or rapid tests identify infection; repeat testing may be needed when initial results are negative but suspicion remains.
- Species, severity, exposure location, pregnancy and resistance determine treatment, so chloroquine is not a universal option.
The listings below do not confirm malaria or define a regimen; suspected disease requires urgent clinical and laboratory assessment.
Recognising severe disease
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, aches and fatigue, but may be non-specific. Confusion, jaundice, breathing difficulty, shock, severe anaemia, low glucose or kidney injury indicate severe malaria. P. vivax and P. ovale can relapse from dormant liver stages.
Treatment principles
Uncomplicated falciparum malaria commonly requires an artemisinin-based combination selected for local resistance. Severe malaria needs intravenous artesunate and hospital monitoring. Primaquine or tafenoquine for dormant liver stages requires G6PD testing because of haemolysis risk.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care for fever after malaria exposure with confusion, seizure, severe weakness, jaundice, breathing difficulty, fainting, repeated vomiting or very low urine output.
Further reading
What is malaria?
Malaria is an infection with Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. It causes fever and can lead to severe organ disease.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, aches and fatigue, but may be non-specific. Confusion, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), breathing difficulty, shock, severe anaemia, low glucose or kidney injury indicate severe malaria.
How is malaria treated?
Uncomplicated falciparum malaria commonly needs an artemisinin-based combination chosen for local resistance. Severe malaria needs intravenous artesunate and hospital monitoring. Primaquine or tafenoquine for dormant liver stages needs G6PD testing because of haemolysis risk.
When should I seek urgent care for malaria?
Seek emergency care for fever after malaria exposure with confusion, seizure, severe weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), breathing difficulty, fainting, repeated vomiting or very low urine output.
Which tablets for malaria can I order?
SGMeds lists products containing chloroquine for malaria, for example Aralen (chloroquine). Each product page gives the strengths and forms.
Do I need a prescription for medicines for malaria in Singapore?
No. SGMeds does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for malaria: we place the order with our pharmacy partner, which prepares it and arranges delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver medicines for malaria to Singapore?
Yes. Parcels go to Singapore and Malaysia by Express shipping (tracked, up to 1 week) or Regular shipping (up to 3 weeks).
How ordering works →