What Is Valley Fever, the Rare Fungal Infection That Killed an Indian Techie Who Mistook It for Flu

The

death of 37-year-old Indian tech professional Chiranjeevi Kolla in California has drawn attention to Valley fever, a rare but potentially serious fungal disease that is often mistaken for flu or pneumonia in its early stages. According to a fundraiser shared by his family, Chiranjeevi first developed symptoms in April that appeared similar to a common viral infection. As his condition worsened, he visited the emergency room, where doctors initially suspected severe pneumonia. Further medical tests later confirmed Valley fever - an infection caused by inhaling fungal spores found in soil. Despite intensive treatment and nearly a month in the ICU on ventilator support, he died on May 5, leaving behind his wife and five-year-old son.

What is Valley fever?

Valley fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is caused by fungi called Coccidioides. The fungus naturally lives in desert soil and is commonly found in California, Arizona, parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. When soil is disturbed through construction work, farming, dust storms, and strong winds, tiny fungal spores can become airborne. People become infected after breathing in these microscopic spores. Doctors say one major challenge is that Valley fever symptoms closely resemble common respiratory illnesses like the flu, viral infections, or pneumonia. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Night sweats

Because the symptoms appear nonspecific, many patients are initially treated for flu or bacterial pneumonia before the correct diagnosis is identified. Experts say this delay can sometimes allow the infection to worsen significantly.Also read: Exhausted All the Time? Doctors Warn Hair Fall and Fatigue in Young Women Could Signal Lupus

Can Valley fever become serious?

Most people exposed to Valley fever either develop mild symptoms or never realise they were infected. However, some patients develop severe lung complications, especially when the infection overwhelms the respiratory system. In rare cases, the fungus can spread beyond the lungs to the skin, bones, brain, and nervous system. This is known as disseminated Valley fever and can become life-threatening. Health experts say individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, chronic illnesses, pregnancy, or certain ethnic backgrounds may face higher risk of severe disease.

How is Valley fever diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose Valley fever through:

• Blood tests
• Imaging scans
• Fungal cultures
• Lung evaluations

Because symptoms mimic other respiratory infections, doctors often recommend testing in people living in or travelling through high-risk regions who develop persistent respiratory illness.

Treatment and prevention

Mild Valley fever cases may improve without treatment. More severe infections may require antifungal medications, oxygen support, hospitalisation, and intensive care treatment. Experts say avoiding heavy dust exposure in high-risk areas may help reduce infection risk. Recommended precautions include:

• Wearing masks in dusty environments
• Keeping windows closed during dust storms
• Avoiding exposure to disturbed soil when possible

Why is awareness important?

Doctors say Valley fever remains poorly understood outside endemic regions despite increasing cases in parts of the United States. Chiranjeevi’s death highlights how dangerous fungal infections can sometimes be when early symptoms are mistaken for routine illnesses. Health experts urge people not to ignore persistent fever, cough, breathing difficulty, or worsening fatigue, especially after exposure to dusty environments in high-risk regions.