If it is contagious.... it must be something like a mite or scabie.

They jump.

They also like to be in the highest place they can find.... so they can jump onto animals and breed in their skin.

They hatch, crawl out, and jump off. They only live for a day, breed, jump back on, and lay eggs to repeat the cycle.

When I killed mine with a super hot bath and lots of soap (always worked), I also rented a hotel room and stayed out of my house for one full day.... lets the ones crawling in the carpet die.