Liza Minnelli is suffering from viral encephalitis but is now recovering, it was revealed yesterday.

Minnelli, 54, was treated for the brain disease two weeks ago and had been released from the Cleveland Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr Maurice Hanson said, but had to return to the hospital a few days ago.

"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.

The New York Post said that on October 8, Minnelli's bodyguard and chauffeur found her semi-conscious on the floor of the house where she is staying in Fort Lauderdale, suffering from what appeared at the time to be a stroke. She was admitted to the hospital but discharged eight days later.

Minnelli, daughter of the late Judy Garland and the director Vincente Minnelli, became a superstar in 1972 when the film of Kander and Ebb's Broadway hit Cabaret won nine Oscars, including a best actress award for Minnelli herself.