An Indian-origin tech professional from California has died after a month-long battle with Valley Fever, a fungal infection that severely damaged his lungs and led to respiratory failure, according to a fundraiser created by his family.
Chiranjeevi Kolla, 37, died May 5 at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek, Calif., after spending nearly 30 days in the intensive care unit on a ventilator, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by his cousin Rama Koteswara Rao.
The fundraiser aims to raise $300,000 to support Kolla’s wife Pavani Marella and their five-year-old son Vihan with medical bills, funeral costs and future living expenses.
The family describes the devastating last weeks
In a report on the collection, Koll’s cousin said the illness initially appeared to be a common flu.
“It started with a cough,” the fundraiser said. “In early April, Chiranjeevi came down with what appeared to be a common flu.
As his condition worsened, Kolla reportedly sought emergency medical care, where doctors initially suspected severe pneumonia before tests confirmed Valley Fever.
The campaign said the fungal infection “overwhelmed his lungs”, forcing doctors to intubate him and place him on a ventilator.
“For almost a month, Pavani sat next to him in the ICU, holding his hand and talking to him,” the family wrote.
Kolla died on May 5 after “thirty long days of machines, monitors and prayers,” according to the fundraiser.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides organisms that live in the soil in arid regions, particularly parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
People become infected by inhaling microscopic fungal spores released into the air when contaminated soil or dust is disturbed by wind, construction, agriculture, or outdoor activities.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most infections are mild or asymptomatic. However, some people develop severe lung disease or complications that spread to other parts of the body.
The infection is not generally considered contagious between humans.
Common symptoms of Valley Fever
Symptoms of Valley Fever often resemble the flu or pneumonia, making diagnosis difficult in the early stages.
In severe cases, the infection can cause respiratory failure, lung damage, or widespread disease affecting the brain, bones, and skin.
Treatment and medical care
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection.
Mild cases often resolve without medication, but doctors may recommend rest, fluids, and monitoring.
Severe infections are usually treated with antifungal medications. Critically ill patients may require hospitalization, oxygen support, or mechanical ventilation.
In rare life-threatening cases, stronger intravenous antifungals can be used.
Doctors say recovery can take months and some patients have long-term lung complications.
Measures to reduce risk
Health authorities recommend several precautions in areas where valley fever is common:
-If possible, avoid dusty environment
-Use N95 masks during dust storms or construction work
– Keep windows and doors closed in strong winds
-Moisten the soil before digging or gardening
-Limit outdoor exposure during dusty events
People who experience prolonged flu-like symptoms after visiting endemic areas are advised to seek medical attention.
Fundraiser seeks support for grieving family
The collection describes Kolla as a dedicated husband, father and professional who “never made anyone feel small”.
The family said the donations will help cover funeral rites in both California and India, hospital expenses from a month-long ICU stay, daily living expenses, childcare and a future college fund for his son.
“Chiranjeevi was the heart of his household and its primary provider,” the fundraiser said.
The campaign added that Koll’s wife has instructed relatives to organize the fundraiser while she concentrates on grieving and caring for their son.
“If you knew Chiranjeevi – through work, school, family or community – please pass it on,” the family appealed.
