Chiranjeevi Kolla, a 37-year-old Walnut Creek resident, succumbed to a severe case of Valley Fever on May 5, following a rapid decline from mild symptoms to respiratory failure.
WALNUT CREEK, CA – Chiranjeevi Kolla, a 37-year-old resident of Walnut Creek, passed away on May 5 after a brief but intense battle with Valley Fever, a rare fungal infection. His health began to decline in early April when he first exhibited mild, flu-like symptoms.
Kolla, who served as the primary provider for his family, spent nearly a month in intensive care at Kaiser Permanente. During this time, he was placed on a ventilator as medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. Initially diagnosed with severe pneumonia, further testing revealed that he was suffering from Valley Fever, which is caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus commonly found in soil throughout California and the American Southwest.
While many individuals infected with Valley Fever experience mild symptoms or none at all, Kolla’s case escalated quickly, leading to significant damage to his lungs. Despite receiving aggressive medical treatment, his condition continued to worsen.
“The doctors had done all that medicine could do,” said Rama Koteswara Rao, Kolla’s cousin, who is representing the family. “After thirty long days of machines and monitors and prayers, his exhausted body could fight no longer.”
Kolla is survived by his wife, Pavani Marella, and their 5-year-old son, Vihan. His untimely death has left the family not only in mourning but also facing significant financial burdens, including medical expenses from his extended stay in the ICU and ongoing household needs.
Rao characterized Kolla as a man of quiet strength and integrity. “He was the kind of person who never raised his voice, never cut a corner, and never made anyone feel small,” he reflected.
Professionally, Kolla worked in the healthcare technology sector in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he built a career while supporting his young family.
The family plans to hold final rites in both California and India. In light of the circumstances, relatives have initiated a fundraiser with Marella’s consent to assist with funeral costs, medical bills, and to establish a college fund for Vihan in Kolla’s memory. The fundraiser can be found at: GoFundMe.
“Chiranjeevi would have been quietly, deeply moved by this,” Rao said. “He never asked for anything for himself.”
Valley Fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is contracted by inhaling airborne fungal spores that are often present in dry, dusty soil. While most cases resolve on their own or require minimal treatment, severe infections can lead to complications in the lungs and, in rare instances, can be life-threatening, according to Source Name.