The spread of the disease was rapid.

An act of extending or distributing something over a surface or area.
The spread of news was fast.
We saw a wide spread of flowers.
The butter spread was thin.
wide spread
rapid spread
butter spread
distribution
extension
diffusion
Please spread the butter on the toast.

To extend or distribute over a surface or area.
Spread the news quickly.
The fire spread across the field.
She spread her arms wide.
spread out
spread the word
spread thinly
distribute
disperse
extend