Actor Manuel Masalva, known for his work in Netflix’s “Narcos: Mexico,” is hospitalized in a medically induced coma in Dubai after contracting a highly infectious bacteria while vacationing.
Manager Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa confirmed to the Los Angeles Times the 43-year-old had been in the Philippines but arrived in the United Arab Emirates city March 18 when he began having “internal discomfort and pain” that worsened.
Masalva had emergency surgery March 26. During his hospital stay, doctors discovered the infection, which had reached his lungs.
He remains in critical but stable condition in a Dubai hospital.
Espinosa said his client’s lungs appear to be recovering after the type of bacteria was discovered and treated with a specific antibiotic.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover Masalva’s expenses, already raising more than $1.05 million in Mexican pesos, within three days.
Close friend and fellow actor Mario Morán took to social media to share the news of his status.
“My brother is fighting for his life far from home. I want to ask for your help in this very difficult moment,” Morán said in a Spanish-language video on Instagram. “As was made known yesterday, Manuel Masalva — who is one of my best friends (and) who is really like a brother to me — fell victim to an aggressive bacteria while he was on vacation. This led to him being in an induced coma and now his situation continues to be delicate.”
In a follow-up post, Morán shared that Masalva’s “condition is still delicate,” while thanking fans for their support.
Masalva portrayed Ramón Arellano Félix in the wildly popular Netflix show, which also starred Diego Luna, Michael Peña and Bad Bunny.
