Washington DC [US], April 7: Narcos: Mexico actor Manuel Masalva is currently in critical but stable condition after contracting a highly aggressive bacterial infection while traveling in the Philippines, according to a report by Deadline.
The update was initially shared by Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa, CEO of JIM Management and Masalva’s manager, via the Los Angeles Times. Masalva is presently hospitalised in Dubai, where he was transferred for urgent medical treatment.
In late March, the actor underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered the infection had spread to his lungs. Masalva was placed in a medically induced coma, and though still in a delicate state, his lungs have reportedly responded positively to antibiotic treatment, per Espinosa.
Masalva’s close friend and fellow actor Mario Moran has taken to social media to raise awareness and seek financial help for Masalva’s treatment abroad.
“My brother is fighting for his life far from home,” Moran said in Spanish on Instagram. “He is like family to me. Manuel contracted a very aggressive bacteria while on vacation, which led to his current condition. Medical costs in a foreign country are enormous. Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.”
In a follow-up message, Moran expressed gratitude to all those who donated, sent messages, and offered support during this difficult time. He emphasized that Masalva’s condition remains fragile, but there is hope as treatment continues.
“Now all that remains is to wait and have faith that in the coming days or weeks he will begin to improve,” Moran said, requesting continued prayers and support.
Masalva is best known for portraying Ramon Arellano Felix in Netflix’s hit series Narcos: Mexico, appearing alongside stars like Diego Luna, Michael Peña, Bad Bunny, and Scoot McNairy. His television credits also include the popular Univision series La Rosa de Guadalupe and the biographical drama La Guzmán.
In 2023, Deadline reported exclusively that Masalva had joined the cast of Netflix’s upcoming crime series The Gringo Hunters, which is currently in post-production in Mexico City.