(Image source from: GoFundMe)
Chiranjeevi Kolla, a 37-year-old Indian techie living in California, passed away on May 5 after fighting Valley fever for nearly a month, as mentioned in a fundraising effort shared by his family. He is survived by his spouse, Pavani Marella, and their five-year-old son, Vihan. A GoFundMe campaign launched by his cousin, Rama Koteswara Rao, noted that Chiranjeevi became ill in April with symptoms resembling a regular flu. As his health declined, he sought help in the emergency department, where doctors initially thought he had severe pneumonia. Additional tests later revealed that he had Valley fever, which is a fungal illness caused by Coccidioides, found in California's soil and transmitted through airborne spores. “Most individuals infected don't even realize it. In his circumstances, it severely affected his lungs,” the fundraiser detailed. Due to his worsening health, Chiranjeevi needed to be intubated and connected to a ventilator. He stayed in the hospital for 30 days before losing his battle with the illness.
"He was intubated and on a ventilator. For almost a month, Pavani was by his side 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 dad would return home. The doctors had done everything possible. After thirty long days of machines, monitors, and prayers, his tired body could continue no longer," the fundraiser stated. The fundraiser portrayed Chiranjeevi as the emotional and financial support for his family. His unexpected passing has left his wife dealing with sorrow while also taking on increasing responsibilities, which include paying the mortgage, daily costs, hospital bills from the ICU, and planning funeral services in both California and India. Valley fever is a fungal disease caused by a fungus known as Coccidioides. It primarily impacts the lungs and is most frequently found in dry, dusty areas, particularly in parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. The fungus exists in the soil. When the soil is disturbed by wind, construction, or agriculture, tiny spores can become airborne. Individuals can contract the infection by inhaling these spores.
Many individuals do not experience any symptoms, but when they do arise, they may include fever, cough, chest pain, tiredness, trouble breathing, headaches, and aches in muscles or joints. These symptoms can resemble those of the flu or pneumonia. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own. Some individuals may develop more serious lung infections. In rare instances, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, which is even more serious and referred to as disseminated disease.
