Bacterial infection leaves actor fighting for his life in Dubai ICU
Actor Manuel Masalva in a Coma and in Critical Condition; Treatment May Not Be Working
Mexican actor Manuel Masalva, known for his role in the series Narcos: Mexico, is hospitalized and in critical condition after contracting an extremely aggressive bacteria during a trip to the Philippines.
His family broke the news a few days ago through a GoFundMe campaign asking for financial support to help cover his mounting medical expenses.
“Due to an unknown bacteria, our beloved Manuel Masalva is in a hospital abroad in critical condition, and we need financial help for all the ongoing medical costs,” the page reads.
What is Manuel Masalva’s health status?
His friend and fellow actor Mario Morán shared details of Masalva’s condition on social media.
According to Morán, the bacteria has severely deteriorated Masalva’s health, forcing doctors to place him in an induced coma in order to stabilize him.
“He fell victim to a very aggressive bacteria while on vacation, which led to him being placed in a medically induced coma,” said Morán.
As of now, the actor who portrayed Ramón Arellano Félix in Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico remains in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Dubai. Despite medical efforts, his condition remains critical, and he cannot be transferred to Mexico.
On the GoFundMe page, friends and family revealed that their 1 million peso fundraising goal was reached. They also confirmed that the bacteria has now been identified and is being treated with antibiotics.
“Many thanks to everyone who has donated so far; your generosity and support mean the world in this difficult time. Manu is still in delicate condition; the bacteria has been identified, he’s on antibiotics, and we are waiting for signs of improvement.”
The artistic community played a key role in reaching the donation goal, with well-known names like Alfonso Dosal, Tania Lizardo, Harold Torres, Majida Issa, Oka Giner, Josh Gutiérrez, Claudia Martín, and Carolina Miranda among the contributors.
Manuel Masalva Not Improving; Treatment May Not Be Working
Journalist Martha Figueroa has revealed further concerning updates about the Mi corazón es tuyo actor’s health, saying his life is in danger.
Figueroa stated that doctors told Masalva’s family they were unsure how to proceed because they couldn’t identify the bacteria attacking him.
“He started getting really, really sick and ended up in the hospital. I understand he’s in Dubai, and the doctors didn’t know what to do. The latest from his family is that he’s in very bad shape, on assisted breathing, and not improving,” Figueroa said.
The Hoy show host, apparently in contact with one of Masalva’s friends, added that even though the bacteria has now been identified, the actor’s condition is not responding to treatment.
“Doctors have basically told the family: ‘All you can do now is pray — we don’t know what else to do.’ After several days, they were able to identify the type and origin of the bacteria, but he’s still not improving. I’m told his condition is extremely critical,” she concluded.
