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Scabies is a highly itchy skin condition caused by infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Anyone who is near someone who has scabies is at some risk of becoming infested with the mites.
Close Contact
Being in close physical contact with a person who has scabies is the No. 1 way to get the mites, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sharing Items
Sharing things like bed linen and clothing is also a risk behavior, although there is a lower risk than actual contact, according to Medline Plus and the Mayo Clinic.
Warning
Scabies is highly contagious, and whole families or households can become infested with the mites, according to Medline Plus.
Animal Scabies
Humans may come into contact with scabies mites that cause disease in animals like dogs and cats, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Effects
Although humans may develop a minor reaction to contact with scabies mites that live on another animal, the Mayo Clinic reports that a full outbreak of scabies from this kind of contact is unlikely.
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