Indian Tech Professional Dies After Battle with Valley Fever

A 37-year-old Indian tech worker in California has passed away from Valley Fever, a rare fungal infection that heavily impacted his lungs, ultimately leading to respiratory failure, as shared in a family-run fundraiser.

Chiranjeevi Kolla died on May 5 in Walnut Creek, California. He had spent nearly a month in intensive care, as his cousin Rama Koteswara Rao mentioned in a GoFundMe post meant to assist Kolla’s wife, Pavani Marella, and their five-year-old son, Vihan.

The fundraiser painted Kolla as a quiet, devoted family man who earned deep respect from his colleagues and was well-loved by friends and family. “He was someone who never raised his voice, never cut corners, and always made people feel valued,” read the post.

Initially, Kolla experienced what seemed like a typical flu and a persistent cough in early April. However, as his health deteriorated, he went to the emergency room, where doctors first suspected severe pneumonia. Eventually, tests confirmed he had Valley Fever, caused by Coccidioides fungi typically found in certain soils in California and parts of the southwestern U.S.

The infection overwhelmed his lungs, leading to his placement on a ventilator in the ICU. After around 30 days of treatment and respiratory support, he succumbed to the illness on May 5.

The fundraiser noted that his wife stayed with him throughout his hospital ordeal, trying to reassure their young son, who kept asking when his father would return home.

Kolla was the main breadwinner of the family, and the fundraising efforts aim to help cover hospital bills, funeral expenses in California and India, daily living costs, childcare, and future education needs for his son.

As indicated on his LinkedIn profile, Chiranjeevi Kolla worked in the healthcare technology sector and was located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What Is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever, known medically as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that occurs when someone inhales spores from the Coccidioides fungus, which is commonly found in dry soil in parts of California, Arizona, and other southwestern U.S. regions.

Generally, most people exposed to the fungus either have mild flu-like symptoms or none at all. But in certain cases, especially where the infection spreads to the lungs, it can become serious and potentially fatal. Symptoms can include cough, fever, chest pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

Experts state that severe infections are relatively rare, though those with weakened immune systems or existing health issues may be at greater risk for complications.