Mc Richard Paglicawan
Mexican actor Manuel Masalva, best known for his role as Ramón Arellano Félix in the Netflix hit ‘Narcos: Mexico’, is currently in a medically induced coma in Dubai after contracting an aggressive bacterial infection—just days after visiting the Philippines.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Masalva, 34, is in critical but stable condition following an emergency surgery and subsequent complications caused by the infection, which has since spread to his lungs.
Masalva flew from the Philippines to Dubai on March 18, after spending time in local tourist spots including Palawan, as seen in his recent Instagram posts. Just two days after arriving in Dubai, he began experiencing “internal discomfort and pain” that worsened over time, said his manager Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa.
Doctors performed emergency surgery on March 26, during which they identified the bacteria and administered the appropriate antibiotics. However, by March 27, the infection had progressed to his lungs, prompting doctors to place the actor into a medically induced coma. His respirator has since been reduced to 80%, which indicates that his lungs are beginning to respond to treatment.
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Masalva’s family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover his medical expenses, raising over MXN 1.068 million (approximately ₱2.9 million) to date.
In response to the reports, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) assured the public there is no cause for panic, clarifying that no similar cases have been reported locally.
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo told TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Tuesday that while the agency is monitoring the case, it has yet to receive any alerts from local health units across popular tourist destinations. Domingo emphasized that the department is reaching out to Dubai and Mexico through international health regulation channels to get more specific information.
“The first thing we asked was, ‘What kind of bacteria?’ According to his publicist, it originated from the Philippines—but we hope they clarify which bacteria it was and how it was acquired,” Domingo said.
He added that the infection could have stemmed from food poisoning or open-wound exposure to seawater, both possibilities common in tropical travel but preventable with proper hygiene and safety measures.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has since ordered the department to work with the International Health Regulations (IHR) system to coordinate with authorities in Dubai and Mexico for further investigation. As of now, the DOH maintains that there is no verified local source or outbreak linked to Masalva’s case.
Masalva’s condition remains under close observation in a Dubai hospital, and supporters worldwide continue to send prayers and donations for his recovery.
The actor’s case has also raised discussions about health precautions while traveling, particularly when visiting tropical destinations. Health officials remind tourists to observe proper hygiene, avoid swimming with open wounds, and report unusual symptoms immediately after travel.
