Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated by comma-shaped bacteria, Vibrio cholerae. Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to map cholera-epidemic prone areas and determine the predisposing factors in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu. A database was developed to store spatial and non-spatial data showing the source and spread of cholera. The results of this study indicated that Tondiarpet, Basin Bridge, Pulianthope areas had the highest cholera incidences. However there was a decreasing trend in 2003, 2005 to 2009 and 2011 and highest incidence was associated with heavy rainfall. The findings demonstrated the potential of GIS in monitoring the source and spread of cholera which would help to take necessary preventive measures in future.
