Manuel Masalva Hospitalized in Dubai with ‘Very Aggressive’ Infectious Bacteria – Here’s What We Know So Far
Manuel Masalva is in a medically-induced coma due to an infection from a “very aggressive bacteria.” The “Narcos: Mexico” star was recently traveling in the Philippines when he became sick. However, due to the bacteria and how far it has spread, Masalva required emergency surgery outside of Mexico and remains in a coma. Family and friends are hopeful of his recovery but have asked for privacy at this time as they are overwhelmed.
Manuel Masalva is fighting off a “very aggressive bacteria” infection
Masalva was vacactioning with friends in the Philippines before traveling on to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He arrived in Dubai on March 18 and started to feel discomfort two days later, Jaramillo Espoinosa told LA Times. Masalva eventually went to the hospital when the internal discomfort didn’t stop.
By March 26, doctors performed emergency surgery after discovering that Masalva had the infection. Despite their initial medical intervention, the bacteria spread to Masalva’s lungs prompting medical professionals to induce a coma to determine a treatment. According to the newspaper, the doctors were able to identify the type of bacteria and started treatment with antibiotics.
“On Monday [March 31], the doctors were able to identify the type of bacteria and administer the appropriate antibiotic he needs,” Jaramillo Espinosa told LA Times. “On the other hand, his respirator was lowered to 80%, which means that his lungs are reacting.”
Family and friends are asking for help to cover the medical costs
Medical care can often get expensive, even more if you are not in your home country. As a result of the emergency surgery and life-threatening infection, Masalva is racking up a medical bill in Dubai. On TikTok, fellow performer Mario Morán asked for help in getting Masalva the financial assistance he needs.
“The medical costs are enormous and in a country where everything is even more difficult,” Morán said in the video. “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.”
There is a GoFundMe set up to help Masalva and his family cover the costs of his medical care. At the time of this post, the GoFundMe has raised 1,070,143 (around $51,000 USD) Mexican pesos surpassing its goal of 1 million Mexican pesos.
Masalva remains in critical but stable condition. Jaramillo Espinosa and his family remain hopeful about his recovery pointing to the early success of his treatment. Fans have flooded his social media posts with well wishes.
“He is a strong and young man. He is healthy,” Jaramillo Espinosa told LA Times. “[His family and I] are certain that he is going to pull through and wake up.”
Masalava is known for his role as Ramón Arellano Félix in Netflix’s “Narcos: Mexico” where he starred opposite Diego Luna, Michael Peña and Bad Bunny. He has also appeared on “La Rosa de Guadalupe” and “La Gúzman.” He is set to appear in the upcoming “The Gringo Hunter,” which is set to premiere this year.
