MANAGUA, March 28 (Xinhua) — Nicaragua government confirmed on Monday that three new cases of the Zika virus have been detected, raising the total number to 129.

The government's spokesperson Rosario Murillo said that of the total cases, 14 were pregnant women, including two of the latest three cases. The infected women are in a stable condition and being treated in hospital.

By March 27, 27 new cases of dengue had been detected, bringing the total to 1,127 in 2016. Furthermore, three new cases of chikungunya have been announced for a nationwide tally of 351 since the start of the year.

Murillo also confirmed that, in the next few days, 47,492 food packages would be distributed to rural families in parts of Nicaragua, currently suffering from prolonged drought for the second year running.

It is thought that this dry spell could last until the rainy season begins in May.