ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A new law in Illinois will help keep residents informed — and safe — amid the rise of tick-borne illness.

House Bill 1754, also known as the Tracking Infectious Cases Knowledgeably (TICK) Act, focuses on alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). AGS is a serious allergic reaction to red meat, typically caused by the bite of an infected lone star tick.

The Department of Public Health will be required to provide educational materials about AGS on its website. The DPH must also undertake a public awareness campaign for community members, local health departments and medical providers; the campaign must cover signs and symptoms of AGS, including when to order a test to diagnosis it.

Illinois has been identified as a state with one of the highest AGS rates in the country, but AGS is a growing threat nationwide, the CDC said.

Darby Hills, one of the sponsors for the bill, said the new law also requires the IDPH to create formal tracking and reporting procedures for AGS.

“This legislation is about empowering patients and making sure our healthcare system is better prepared to respond to real concerns,” Hills said in a news release. “No one should have to fight for answers when it comes to their health.”

HB1754 was signed by Governor JB Pritzker Aug. 1 and took effect immediately. You can read more about the new law here.