Prevention mostly involve eliminating kissing bugs and avoiding their bites . Other preventative efforts include screening blood used for transfusions . A vaccine have not been developed as of 2013 . Early infections are treatable with the medication benznidazole or nifurtimox . Medication nearly always result in a cure if given early , but become less effective the longer a person have had Chagas disease . When used in chronic disease , medication may delay or prevent the development of end – stage symptoms . Benznidazole and nifurtimox cause temporary side effects in up to 40 % of people including skin disorders , brain toxicity , and digestive system irritation .