Manuel Masalva, known for portraying Ramón Arellano Félix in Narcos: Mexico, is hospitalized in Dubai and remains in a medically induced coma after contracting a severe bacterial infection while traveling in the Philippines.
The infection was described as “very aggressive” by his manager, Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa, CEO of JIM Management, who confirmed Masalva’s condition as critical but stable. In late March, doctors discovered the bacteria had reached his lungs, prompting emergency surgery. He is currently being treated with antibiotics and has shown signs of response, according to Espinosa.
Masalva is receiving care outside his home country. As a result, his family and close friends have sought financial assistance to manage rising medical costs. Actor Mario Morán, a longtime friend, shared an emotional appeal through Instagram, asking for donations to a GoFundMe campaign set up for the family.
“My brother is fighting for his life far from home,” Morán said in Spanish. “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 a follow-up post, Morán thanked those who had donated and shared the campaign, noting that Masalva continues to receive treatment and that the coming days or weeks will be critical.
Masalva, 34, has worked across television and film since his debut in Mi corazón es tuyo in 2014. He has appeared in series such as Yago, La Rosa de Guadalupe, La Guzmán, and El Secreto de la Familia Greco. His more recent credits include Tengo que morir todas las noches and the short film Si El Humo No Da Señales.
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He is part of the cast of The Gringo Hunters, a Netflix series currently in post-production in Mexico City.
