Masalva, 34, is being treated at a hospital in Dubai after falling ill while on vacation in the Philippines, per Metro.
His condition is now described as “stable but critical”, following emergency surgery and an intense round of antibiotics.
The actor’s friend and fellow performer Mario Morán, 32, shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional TikTok video posted Thursday, April 3.
“My brother is fighting for his life far away from home,” Morán said (translated from Spanish). “He fell victim to a very aggressive virus. This led him to an induced coma. As of today, his situation remains delicate.”
A similar message was echoed by Morán in an Instagram post, translated by Deadline, where he described Masalva as “one of my best friends, who is really like a brother to me.”
“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,” he said.
Morán added: “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.”
The infection, which was initially undiagnosed, reportedly spread to Masalva’s lungs.
On April 1, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover the mounting costs of his treatment abroad. It confirmed he had contracted an “unknown bacteria” and was in “serious condition”.
By April 4, the page had exceeded its $50,000 goal. A campaign update shared encouraging news: “Manu remains in critical condition; the bacteria has already been detected. He’s on antibiotics, and we’re waiting for him to begin to improve.”
Masalva’s manager, Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa, told the Los Angeles Times that he is responding to treatment and remains under intensive care.
The GoFundMe page also included a message from the actor’s family: “Many thanks to everyone who has donated so far; your generosity and support are crucial during this difficult time for Manuel and his loved ones. We deeply appreciate the generosity of acquaintances, friends, and family.
“Thank you for continuing to share this campaign on your social media so we can reach more people who can help. Together, we can make a huge difference for Manuel and provide him with the strength and support he needs to recover.”
Masalva, who made his screen debut in the Mexican telenovela Mi corazón es tuyo in 2014, has built an impressive résumé over the years. His work includes roles in Yago, La rosa de Guadalupe, El Secreto de la Familia Greco, and La Guzmán.
His most recent credits include the acclaimed series Tengo que morir todas las noches and the 2024 short film Si El Humo No Da Señales (If the Smoke Doesn’t Give Signs).
He’s also set to appear in two upcoming shows – Franklin and The Gringo Hunters, the latter currently in post-production in Mexico City.
