A 37-year-old Indian man, Chiranjeevi Kolla, died in California after battling Valley fever for nearly a month, his family said through a fundraiser.
According to his cousin Rama Koteswara Rao, Chiranjeevi initially developed flu-like symptoms in April. What appeared to be a normal fever and cold soon worsened, forcing him to visit the emergency room.
Doctors first suspected severe pneumonia. However, after further tests, he was diagnosed with Valley fever.
Chiranjeevi is survived by his wife Pavani Marella and their five-year-old son, Vihan.
“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 said.
The family described Valley fever as a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides, which can be picked up from the air in California’s soil.
“Most people who get it never know. In his case, it overwhelmed his lungs,” his cousin wrote.
The fundraiser said Chiranjeevi was the heart of his family and its main provider. His sudden death has left Pavani grieving while also facing heavy responsibilities, including the mortgage, daily expenses for their young son, hospital bills from a month-long ICU stay, and final rites that the family hopes to perform both in California and India.
“If you knew Chiranjeevi, you already know what we lost. He was the kind of person who never raised his voice, never cut a corner, and never made anyone feel small,” the fundraiser said.
It added that he gave his best to his work and his family, and was deeply respected by colleagues and loved by those who knew him.
What Is Valley Fever?
Valley fever is a lung infection caused by breathing in spores from the fungus Coccidioides. This fungus lives in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern United States and south-central Washington state.
Many people who get Valley fever recover on their own, but in some cases, the infection can become serious. It is also often mistaken for other illnesses, which can delay treatment.
In the US, Valley fever is mostly reported in states such as Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. It is especially common in California and Arizona. Around 20,000 cases are reported in the US every year.
