MojNews-The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy has risen to 283, the country's Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Of the total cases, the highest number in Europe , seven people died while one recovered, the ministry website said.

According to the country's ANSA news agency, all those who passed away were "over 60 years of age."

Giving a breakdown of the infected patients, the health department said some 109 are hospitalized, 29 are in intensive care, and 137 of them are in home quarantine.

The worst-affected region is Lombardy, where six people have died and 212 cases confirmed of the virus , which surfaced last December and has so far claimed over 2,600 lives worldwide.