Indian Tech Professional Dies in California After Rare Valley Fever Infection

An Indian technology professional based in California has died after battling a rare fungal infection known as Valley Fever for nearly a month, according to family members and local reports.

The victim, identified as Chiranjeevi Kolla, was 37 years old and worked in the healthcare technology sector in the San Francisco Bay Area. He died on May 5 after suffering severe respiratory complications linked to the infection.

Kolla is survived by his wife, Pavani Marella, and the couple’s five-year-old son.

Illness Began With Flu-Like Symptoms

According to information shared by the family, Kolla initially developed flu-like symptoms and a persistent cough in early April. As his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to the emergency department at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek, California.

Doctors reportedly first suspected severe pneumonia due to the intensity of his respiratory symptoms. However, subsequent medical testing later confirmed that he had contracted Valley Fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis.

The infection severely damaged his lungs, eventually requiring intensive care treatment. Family members said Kolla was intubated and placed on a ventilator in the ICU for approximately 30 days before he died from respiratory failure.

A fundraising campaign has since been launched by relatives and friends to help the family manage extensive ICU medical expenses, daily living costs, and funeral arrangements in both the United States and India.

What Is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is a fungal infection caused by inhaling microscopic spores of the Coccidioides fungus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fungus naturally exists in soil in parts of the southwestern United States, particularly California and Arizona, as well as sections of Mexico and Central and South America.

The disease often develops after soil containing fungal spores is disturbed by wind, construction activity, farming, or dust storms.

Health experts say most individuals exposed to the fungus either experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, some cases can become severe, particularly when the infection spreads through the lungs or to other parts of the body.

Symptoms commonly include fever, cough, chest pain, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.

Rare but Serious Health Threat

Medical specialists note that severe Valley Fever cases remain relatively uncommon but can become life-threatening if diagnosis and treatment are delayed or if the patient develops serious lung complications.

California health authorities have reported rising Valley Fever cases in certain regions over recent years, partly linked to climate conditions and environmental factors that increase fungal spore activity.

Public health experts continue urging individuals in high-risk regions to seek medical evaluation if persistent respiratory symptoms develop, especially after exposure to dusty outdoor environments.