Which of the following is a known vector-borne illness transmitter to humans?

The selection of deer ticks as a known vector-borne illness transmitter to humans is accurate because deer ticks, particularly the Ixodes scapularis species, are well-documented carriers of Lyme disease and other pathogens such as Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. These ticks feed on the blood of hosts like rodents and deer, which can carry the bacteria. When a deer tick attaches itself to a human, it can transmit these infectious agents during the feeding process.

Understanding the role of deer ticks in public health is crucial, especially in regions where Lyme disease is prevalent, as prevention strategies can be focused on reducing exposure and utilizing protective measures when in tick-infested areas.

While mosquitoes are also significant vectors for various diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika, in the context of this question, deer ticks specifically convey the importance of understanding tick-borne diseases. Other options, like flies and ants, generally do not play a significant role in transmitting vector-borne illnesses to humans when compared to deer ticks.