I know it is possible, I have seen people do it. How would you go about doing the transition effect in your materials so that it became corrupt and decayed. I shall include a Youtube video from the Silent Hill film that demonstrates what I mean for those less familiar with the franchise.
You could use a point mask with coordinates that can be modified through a blueprint driven material instance
That way you can make multiple instances with varying coordinates so its spreading from different locations.
Whilst understanding the principle of that response, you may need to break that down a little more for me in terms of setting something like that up. My practical knowledge in UE4 is somewhat limited.