- Chiranjeevi Kolla, 37, died from Valley fever.
- Indian tech professional battled fungal infection in California.
- Survived by wife, 5-year-old son; GoFundMe launched.
A 37-year-old Indian tech professional, Chiranjeevi Kolla, living in California, died on May 5 after battling Valley fever for nearly a month, according to a fundraiser shared by his family. He is survived by his wife, Pavani Marella, and their five-year-old son, Vihan.
A GoFundMe campaign started by his cousin, Rama Koteswara Rao, said Chiranjeevi first developed flu-like symptoms in April. As his condition worsened, he was taken to the emergency room, where doctors initially suspected severe pneumonia.
Chiranjeevi Kolla had Valley fever
Further medical tests later confirmed that he had contracted Valley fever, a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides, a fungus found in California soil that spreads through airborne spores. “Most people who get it never know. In his case, it overwhelmed his lungs," the fundraiser said.
As his health deteriorated, Chiranjeevi was intubated and placed on a ventilator. He remained in hospital for 30 days before dying from the infection.
“He was intubated and placed on a ventilator. For nearly a month, Pavani sat beside him in the ICU, holding his hand, talking to him, telling Vihan that Daddy was fighting hard. Their son is five. He kept asking when his father was coming home.The doctors had done all that medicine could do. After thirty long days of machines and monitors and prayers, his exhausted body could fight no longer," the fundraiser stated.
The fundraiser described Chiranjeevi as the emotional and financial backbone of his family. Following his death, his wife has been left dealing with grief along with financial responsibilities, including medical expenses, mortgage payments, daily household costs and funeral arrangements in both California and India.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley fever is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides and mainly affects the lungs. It is commonly found in dry and dusty regions of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. The fungus lives in soil, and infection occurs when airborne spores are inhaled after the soil is disturbed by wind, farming or construction activity.
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Symptoms may include fever, cough, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and muscle or joint pain, often resembling flu or pneumonia.
While many infections remain mild, some can lead to severe lung disease. In rare cases, the infection spreads to other parts of the body, resulting in a more serious condition known as disseminated disease.