An infectious skin disease caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei represents a significant public health problem due to its high contagiousness and frequency in the population. Scabies is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or, rarely, by indirect contact through infected objects. The disease is widespread globally but is more common in communities with poor sanitation and higher population density. In this paper, the incidence of scabies in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County in the period from 2012 to 2022 is presented. The aim of the paper was to describe the basic biological features of the parasitic mite, the etiology of parasitism on humans and the most important social, economic and public health implications of scabies on the individual and the community. The paper uses publicly available data from the statistical yearbook of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and compares it with data available from other parts of the Republic of Croatia. Data processing shows an increase in incidence in 2018 and 2019 and a certain decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regularly conducting epidemiological studies, educating health professionals and the public about the timely recognition, treatment and prevention measures of scabies is a key step in monitoring the occurrence and control of this parasitic mite, which is important for public health.