Love Island USA winner Amaya Espinal is opening up about a frightening health battle after being hospitalized for the second time this month.
The 25-year-old reality star shared the update with fans on X on Monday, explaining that she was finally being discharged after another hospital stay — but revealed she is now dealing with a chronic illness.
“Between the papayas and I, I got hospitalized again. But I am getting discharged today thank God,” Amaya wrote. “Unfortunately I have a chronic illness that I am now trying to navigate how to function my new life with it. I never mean to go MIA and I try my best to be on top of content.”
The Love Island USA star also addressed her recent absence from social media, reassuring followers that stepping away was never intentional.
“I get questions like why did I go MIA. I love talking to you guys,” she shared. “Making an X made me realize how connected I love being with you guys. I appreciate my papayas for understanding that I never mean to go MIA.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments with messages of love and support, encouraging Amaya to prioritize her health. One follower wrote that they would be more patient and hoped she could find a routine that put her well-being first.
Amaya later admitted that her illness caused her to miss the holidays entirely due to painful flare-ups.
“Girl my mind is all over the place. I missed the holidays because of this,” she posted. “I’m trying to be grateful but man these flare-ups are painful. Thank you guys for being there for me.”
She also shared a lighthearted photo from her hospital room showing stacks of empty apple juice containers, joking about coping with ongoing stomach issues.
“Me, my GI issues, my papayas and my apple juice against the world,” the licensed cardiac nurse wrote.
Earlier this month, Amaya was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery after experiencing severe abdominal pain. While doctors did not reveal the cause at the time, she was reported to be in stable condition and under close medical care.
The health scare happened while Amaya was in Los Angeles filming season two of the Love Island spin-off Beyond the Villa.
Amaya rose to fame after winning Season 7 of Love Island USA, where she coupled up with Casa Amor bombshell Bryan Arenales. The pair split the $100,000 prize but later announced they had gone their separate ways, with Amaya saying they were “on two different journeys.”