Liza Minnelli recovering after treatment for viral encephalitis

Oscar-winning actress, singer and dancer Liza Minnelli is recovering at a Florida hospital after falling seriously ill with viral…

Oscar-winning actress, singer and dancer Liza Minnelli is recovering at a Florida hospital after falling seriously ill with viral encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, her doctor said yesterday.

Ms Minnelli (54) was treated for the disease two weeks ago and had been released from the Cleveland Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr Maurice Hanson said. She became dehydrated and returned to the hospital a few days ago, he said.

"Liza Minnelli has been a patient here for the last several days. She is being treated for viral encephalitis. She was quite sick and was in very serious condition, but is now recovering well and we expect to release her in a few days," Dr Hanson said.

Hospital officials declined to provide details about Ms Minnelli's treatment for the illness, which can be fatal.

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The New York Post said paramedics were called on October 8th to the house in Fort Lauderdale where Ms Minnelli has been staying after her bodyguard and chauffeur found her suffering from what appeared to be a stroke. It said she was taken to Cleveland Clinic Florida Hospital but was released on October 16th.