Liza Minnelli, shown in 1999, has been hospitalized several times this year

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (CNN) -- The Cleveland Clinic Florida Hospital issued a statement Monday confirming reports that Oscar-winning performer Liza Minnelli is suffering from viral encephalitis.

The statement said that Minnelli had been "in very serious condition," but "is now recovering well." The hospital is expected to release her "in a few days."

Dr. Maurice Hanson, a neurologist, said Minnelli had been treated for the illness two weeks ago and was released, but returned to the hospital because she became dehydrated at home.

Minnelli was hospitalized on October 8 after paramedics were summoned to her rented Florida home. She was found semiconscious and suffering from symptoms that included paralysis on one side of her body, slurred speech and drooping facial muscles.

At the time, officials believed she had suffered a possible stroke.

	MORE INFORMATION
WebMD: Encephalitis is often caused by a viral infection. It affects approximately 1,500 people per year in the U.S. More...

Minnelli, the daughter of the late actress Judy Garland, won a Tony Award for her first Broadway Production. "Flora, The Red Menace," (1965) and went on to win two more. At 26, she won best actress for 1972's "Cabaret," and later won two Golden Globes.

"Arthur" (1981), with Dudley Moore, and Martin Scorsese's "New York, New York," (1977) costarring Robert DeNiro, are among her most successful films.

In May, Minnelli was forced to cancel tour dates for "Minnelli on Minnelli," a one woman show saluting her father, for a hip condition on her left hip. She has had two surgeries on her right hip.

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