Netflix actor Manuel Masalva was put into medically-induced coma after contracting a “very aggressive” bacteria.
The 43-year-old - best known for playing Ramón Arellano Félix in Narcos: Mexico - was left “fighting for his life” after picking up an infection while travelling in the Philippines.
Masalva underwent emergency surgery in late March after the infection spread to his lungs.
His manager, Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa, told the LA Times he is in “stable but critical condition” after responding to treatment and being given antibiotics in a hospital in Dubai.
Masalva’s friend Mario Morán urged fans to send donations to the family’s GoFundMe page to pay for his hospital fees over the weekend.
“My brother is fighting for his life far from home. I want to ask for your help in this very difficult moment,” he wrote on Instagram in Spanish, per Deadline.
“As was announced yesterday, Manuel Masalva — who is one of my best friends, who is really like a brother to me — fell victim to a very aggressive bacteria while he was on vacation. And 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 this difficult moment.
“If you are able to contribute, we will express our heart-filled gratitude.”
Morán later thanked fans for all of their donations.
Masalva first found fame in the Mexican telenovela Mi corazón es tuyo (My Heart is Yours) in 2014.
He is also known for the telenovela Yago, the drama La rosa de Guadelupe (The Rose of Guadalupe) and the TV series El Secreto de la Familia Greco (The Secret of the Greco Family), which is based on a true story.
The actor will next appear in the upcoming Netflix series, The Gringo Hunters, which is currently in post-production in Mexico City, Deadline reported.
