Deal, perhaps, with the spreading of disease (7)
I believe the answer is:
seaside
'deal perhaps' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'spreading of disease' is the wordplay.
'spreading of' indicates an anagram.
'disease' anagrammed gives 'SEASIDE'.
'with the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for seaside that I've seen before include "Shore - disease (anag)" , "A place on the coast" , "Holiday place" , "Beach holiday resort area" , "Popular resort area" .)