Which two insect parasites of rodents transmit disease to humans?

The correct choice highlights the role of fleas and lice as significant insect parasites of rodents that can transmit diseases to humans. Fleas are well-known vectors for several diseases, including the plague, which is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. They feed on the blood of rodents and can bite humans, thereby transferring pathogens and resulting in potential outbreaks.

Lice, although less publicized than fleas, also pose a risk as they can be found in rodent populations. Certain types of lice can carry pathogens that may cause diseases such as typhus. The close association of these parasites with rodents, along with their capacity to transmit diseases to humans, emphasizes their significance in understanding public health concerns regarding zoonotic diseases.

In comparison, the other options include insect associations that are less relevant to the direct transmission of diseases originating specifically from rodent populations. Mites and chiggers, for example, are commonly more associated with other animal hosts or specific ecological niches. Similarly, while mosquitoes and ticks are known vectors for a range of diseases, their transmission links stem primarily from larger mammals rather than rodents. Cockroaches and flies, although they can contribute to disease spread in general, do not typically act as direct vectors for diseases carried by rodents. Thus,