Actor Zac Efron has reportedly been flown to Australia for urgent medical assistance after contracting an illness that threatened his life.

On Sunday, The Daily Telegraph reported that the 32-year-old actor was filming a documentary series in Papua New Guinea when he suffered a “life-or-death medical emergency”.

It is understood he was transported via plane to Brisbane Airport last week, before Christmas Day, with a bacterial infection.

He was treated at St Andrews War Memorial Hospital in Spring Hill, the publication reports, and was permitted to return home to America on Christmas Eve.

Upon arriving, Efron, who rose to fame after starring in High School Musical, was in a "stable" condition and remained in hospital for a number of days while he recovered.

On Monday, the 32-year-old shared a short statement to Instagram, thanking his fans for all their "love and concern" following the incident.

"Very thankful to everyone who has reached out," Efron wrote.

"I did get sick in Papua New Guinea but I bounced back quick and finished an amazing three weeks in P.N.G.," he added.

"I'm home for the holidays with my friends and family. See you in 2020!"

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Very thankful to everyone who has reached out. I did get sick in Papua New Guinea but I bounced back quick and finished an amazing 3 weeks in P.N.G. I’m home for the holidays with my friends and family. Thanks for all the love and concern, see you in 2020!

A post shared by Zac Efron (@zacefron) on Dec 29, 2019 at 3:47pm PST

The TV series the actor was filming in Papua New Guinea is called Killing Zac Efron. 

The show is described as following the Hollywood star as he goes "deep into the jungles of a remote, dangerous island to carve his own name in expedition history."

"Zac is going all-in, falling off the grid for 21 days with nothing but basic gear, a guide partner and a will to survive," the show's synopsis states. The programme, also executive produced by Efron, will be available on Quibi, a new streaming service for phones.

"I tend to thrive under extreme circumstances and seek out opportunities that challenge me on every level," Efron said in a statement about Killing Zac Efron in November.

"I am excited to explore any uncharted territory and discover what unexpected adventure awaits!"

Efron's tour guide Cyril Tara has uploaded a number of photos of himself with the Hollywood actor to his Facebook, documenting their adventures together.

Most recently, Efron has gained critical claim for his role as Ted Bundy - one of America's most notorious serial killers - in the 2019 Netflix movie Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. 

Other notable films he has starred in since his wildly-successful role in High School Musical include Baywatch in 2017, The Greatest Showman in 2017, Dirty Grandpa in 2016 and Neighbours in 2014.

His new show Killing Zac Efron is set to air on Quibi in April 2020.

Feature Image: Facebook. 

This article was originally published on December 29, 2019, and was updated on December 30, 2019.

Sign up for the "Mamamia Daily" newsletter. Your morning hit of the top news stories, to be consumed with a coffee in hand.