A reported rodent problem became a medical case after physicians recognized signs of shingles.
CHICAGO — A Rogers Park tenant’s account of waking to a rat on his face has shifted from a housing complaint into a medical case after doctors diagnosed him with shingles affecting his eye.
Heriverto Hernandez said he woke around 3 a.m. inside his apartment and believed a rat was chewing on his face. The report drew wide attention online and brought new scrutiny to conditions in the building, where he said rodent problems had continued for months.
FOX 32 Chicago reported Hernandez is one of 60 tenants in a unionized building dealing with rodents. After his story aired, viewers sent messages and emails, including doctors who said the marks and redness near his eye could point to a serious infection.
Dr. Holly Weis of Chicago Glaucoma Consultants examined Hernandez at no cost after seeing the report. She diagnosed him with Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus, which is shingles involving the eye. Weis said the condition can damage the cornea and may threaten vision without treatment.
Doctors said the timing remains unknown. Hernandez may have experienced a rat attack, shingles or both at once. Weis said shingles can cause nerve pain strong enough to feel like chewing, and she said stress from poor living conditions could contribute to a flare-up.
The case brought together two unresolved issues for Hernandez: medical treatment and housing. He was prescribed medication and told to continue follow-up care. He also said he is trying to leave the apartment building because he believes the rodent problem continues.
Hernandez said he does not have health insurance or reliable transportation. He has started a GoFundMe to help pay for treatment and relocation costs as doctors monitor his recovery.
For now, the cause of the original wounds has not been settled, but the viral report led to medical care that doctors said may have helped protect Hernandez’s eyesight.
Author note: Last updated July 7, 2026.