The scabies mite is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. A quick handshake or hug will usually not spread scabies
Scabies can also spread by sharing clothes, towels, bed sheets, etc. with a person who has scabies.
It spreads more easily where people are close together, such as in hospitals, child-care facilities, schools, jails and Long Term Care Homes.
Pets do not spread human scabies.