As the coronavirus spreads throughout Latin America, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has not been seen in public for at least a month - raising questions about his health and whereabouts.

Ortega's last public appearance was on March 12 when he spoke via video from a living room.

Reuters reports this isn't the first time that Ortega's disappearance has caused some concern. In 2014, an absence prompted speculation about his possible death. He also reportedly disappeared in 1998, after allegations of abuse from his stepdaughter emerged - which he denied.

Government officials close to the president are saying the 74-year-old is still alive. During his absence, Vice President Rosario Murillo, who is also his wife, has spoken publicly every day. 

In the meantime, Nicaraguans have not been encouraged to adhere to social distancing or other measures to combat the coronavirus, while nations neighboring the country have implemented tighter restrictions. 

Health and human rights groups are growing more alarmed by the government's lax approach. 

According to Johns Hopkins University, there have only been nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death in Nicaragua, with officials saying all the infections were acquired abroad.

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