Hello, and thank you for contacting Ask Extension about your azalea. It is very difficult to assess the situation from the photos. 

Without knowing more, it might be prudent to remove the affected stems back to their source if possible. Be sure to disinfect your pruners after each cut. Throw the prunings in the trash, not the compost. 

After closer inspection, can you provide any additional details about the growths? How many stems are involved, and on how many plants? Are they moist and soft, or dry and crumbling? 

I would like an opportunity to research this further. Any additional information you can provide would be helpful.