CDC: BA.5 declines as BQ.1, BQ.1.1 rise Ryan Voyles 2 years ago The proportion of COVID-19 cases made up by BA.5 continues to fall in the six-state region that includes Illinois, as percentages of cases related to the emerging BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 strains rise.To access this content, you must purchase 1 Year Health News Illinois Subscription or 1 Year Group Subscription - Up to 5 Users, or log in if you are a member.