Manuel Masalva, the Mexican actor who portrayed Ramón Arellano Félix in Netflix's gripping series "Narcos: Mexico," is engaged in a life-or-death struggle following a sudden health crisis. According to a Friday report by the Los Angeles Times, Masalva has been placed in a medically induced coma at a Dubai hospital, battling an aggressive bacterial infection that struck unexpectedly.
The actor arrived in the Middle Eastern city on March 18th, fresh from a visit to the Philippines. Within 48 hours, he began experiencing internal discomfort and severe pain. On March 26th, doctors discovered the bacterial presence and rushed Masalva into emergency surgery. However, by the subsequent day, the infection had menacingly spread to his lungs, necessitating the medically induced coma.
"His respirator has been adjusted to 80 percent, indicating that his lungs are still responsive," disclosed Masalva's manager, Jaramillo Espinosa, to the Times. Espinosa further noted that while Masalva's condition remains critical, it is also stable. Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Masalva's representatives for further details.
Mario Morán, a fellow actor and close friend of Masalva, addressed his friend's dire situation in an emotional Instagram video on Wednesday, appealing to fans for their support. "My brother is battling for his life, far away from home. I humbly request your assistance during this incredibly challenging time," Morán stated in Spanish, as quoted by the Times. "Manuel Masalva, one of my closest friends and like a brother to me, fell prey to a凶猛的细菌 while vacationing. This resulted in him being placed in an induced coma, and his condition remains fragile."
He continued, "The medical expenses are astronomical, and navigating them in a foreign country adds another layer of complexity. Every bit of help, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in this difficult period. If you can lend a hand, I would be eternally grateful."
Morán directed fans to a GoFundMe page established by Masalva's family to cover his mounting medical bills. The fundraiser swiftly surpassed its target of 1 million Mexican pesos ($48,700) and, at the time of writing, had reached 1,049,695 Mexican pesos ($51,363). Later, Morán shared an update on TikTok, expressing his heartfelt thanks to the fans for their overwhelming support.
Masalva has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his roles in over a dozen films and TV shows, including "Narcos: Mexico," a fictional drama delving into Mexico's illegal drug trade. The series, which concluded after three captivating seasons in 2021, also featured Diego Luna, Michael Peña, and Tenoch Huerta Mejía.
