An investigation was under way yesterday into seven cases of E-coli in a village.
NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council said those diagnosed with the O157 strain shared a private water supply in eight homes in Auchinclech, near Westhill in Aberdeenshire.
The health board said there were eight other individuals with similar symptoms and an investigation was under way.
NHS Grampian said that children were among those suffering from the infection.
Two adults were admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and have since been discharged, while the remainder were seen by their GPs. An NHS Grampian spokesman said: "None of those affected is currently giving cause for concern."
Householders in the affected homes are being advised to boil their water while the inquiry to identify the source of the infection continues.
Dr Helen Howie, a consultant in public health medicine at NHS Grampian, yesterday said: "A letter went out to all residents last night to let them know what is going on."
She added that investigators were examining whether heavy rainfall in the area in recent weeks could have led to the outbreak.
Dr Howie said: "This outbreak highlights the risks associated with private water supplies. Such supplies are liable to bacteriological contamination causing infections such as E-coli O157."
E-coli O157 is most commonly found in the intestines of cattle. Humans can become infected by ingesting contaminated water or foods, inadequately cooked meat and dairy products, direct contact with animals and by person-to-person spread.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In 1996, the O157 strain of the bug killed 21 elderly people in Wishaw, Lanarkshire.
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