'Narcos: Mexico' star Manuel Masalva in medically induced coma due to 'very aggressive bacteria' following PH trip
Narcos: Mexico actor Manuel Masalva is currently in a medically induced coma after contracting a severe bacterial infection, which he could have contracted during his trip to the Philippines.
According to Deadline, Masalva is in critical but stable condition and is in a hospital in Dubai.
His manager, Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa, the CEO of Mexican management agency JIM Management, told the Los Angeles Times that Masalva, who was in the Philippines before arriving in Dubai on March 18, "began to feel internal discomfort and pain which increased by the day."
After doctors found the infection had progressed to his lungs, Masalva underwent emergency surgery on March 26 and was placed into a medically induced coma.
Espinosa added that Masalva's lungs are reacting positively to the antibiotics he had been taking.
“His respirator was lowered to 80%, which means that his lungs are reacting,” he said.
Meanwhile, Masalva's family launched a GoFundMe page as he "needs financial assistance for all his expenses."
His co-performer and close friend Mario Morán posted on Instagram, saying that his "brother is fighting for his life far from home" and needs financial help.
“As was announced yesterday, Manuel Masalva—who is one of my best friends, who is really like a brother to me—fell victim to a very aggressive bacteria while he was on vacation. And this led to him being in an induced coma, and until now his situation continues to be delicate. The medical costs are enormous and in a country where everything is even more difficult. Any help, no matter how small it may seem, can make a difference in this difficult moment. If you are able to contribute, we will express our heart-filled gratitude," he said in Spanish.
In a follow-up post, Morán thanked those who contributed with donations and sent well wishes. He added that Masalva’s situation remains critical, and he is still undergoing treatment.
Last March 14, Masalva shared a glimpse of his trip in the Philippines, saying it was one of the "most beautiful experiences of my life."
"What a trip... THANK YOU, life! THANK YOU, God! THANK YOU, Mother Earth, for all the wonders you've given us. Thank you to my parents who brought me into this world to experience love and freedom. Thank you to these friends/siblings for sharing, accepting, and teaching me so much. WE ARE BLESSED," he wrote in the caption.
He also shared photos from Ginto Island, Palawan last Feb. 28.
Aside from Narcos: Mexico, Masalva has also appeared in La Rosa de Guadalupe and the series La Guzmán.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this article included a photo of Manuel with his tour group. We have removed this image to prevent any potential misunderstandings and out of respect for the privacy of everyone in the photo.
