DOH seeks clarification on ill Mexican actor Masalva's condition

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, April 9, said it is seeking official clarification from international health authorities regarding the medical condition of Mexican actor Manuel Masalva who reportedly fell ill following his recent trip to the Philippines.

Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated that they are reaching out through both informal and formal channels to UAE and Mexico for information about Masalva's bacterial infection, which has put him in a medically induced coma in Dubai.

Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), unless the illness is considered notifiable such as Ebola or Marburg virus, no automatic international alert is required.

The DOH also contacted local government units and private hospitals but has yet to receive any feedback regarding Masalva's condition.

Masalva reportedly underwent emergency surgery on March 26 after doctors identified the bacteria causing his infection, which later spread to his lungs.

Domingo assured that Masalva is likely improving as he is receiving treatment despite the severity of the bacterial infection and emphasized that medically induced comas are standard for patients requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive care.

The DOH advises the public not to be alarmed and encourages preventive measures such as avoiding raw seafood and refraining from swimming with open wounds or scratches.