Chicago, Illinois — A disturbing incident in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood has highlighted ongoing struggles with pest infestations in rental properties. Tenant Heriverto Hernandez says he woke up in the middle of the night to find rats chewing on his face.

According to Hernandez, the horrifying event occurred three weeks ago inside his garden-level apartment. After months of complaining about a severe rodent infestation, he claimed the rats attacked him while he was sleeping.

Photos showing significant facial injuries, including numerous red marks and swelling around the eyes and nose, have circulated alongside the story. Hernandez shared his ordeal with Fox32, describing how the “whiskered pests made a feast out of him” during the night.

The incident has drawn attention to living conditions in the building, with tenants reportedly battling persistent rat problems for an extended period. Hernandez says he had been fighting the infestation for months before the shocking attack occurred.

City officials and public health departments often note that severe rodent infestations can pose serious health risks, including bites, disease transmission, and psychological trauma. Cases like this are relatively rare but underscore the importance of timely property maintenance and pest control.

Hernandez’s account has sparked outrage among local residents and housing advocates, who are calling for stronger enforcement of habitability standards in rental units. It remains unclear what immediate actions the property management has taken in response to the incident.

This alarming case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers tenants can face when pest problems are left unaddressed. Local authorities are expected to investigate the building’s conditions following the public reports.

Further updates will follow as more details emerge regarding the investigation and any potential legal action.