Truro College has started a vaccination programme

At least 170 people have now contracted the illness, which has spread to Helston and The Lizard from Hayle, Penzance and St Ives.

But despite this, the uptake of vaccinations which have been offered in many areas is still said to be low.

The outbreak has resulted in some students missing important exams through illness.

Truro College student Lauriann O'Hara, from St Ives, was affected by mumps for 10 days and was too ill to sit her exams.

Anybody born before 1983 has never received the MMR injection which does protect against mumps Dr David Miles

She said: "I've missed all my A-levels.

"I'm supposed to be going to university in Cardiff in September, but we don't know if I can still get in because I haven't taken my exams."

Colin Denley of Truro College said: "We're going to have to work really hard with Student Services and with the universities to pick up the pieces and do whatever we can to support them as they try to move on."

Truro College said it had tried to limit the spread of mumps in Cornwall by holding vaccination sessions for its students.

They are in an at-risk age group of 16 to 25.

Public Health Director Dr David Miles said: "Anybody born before 1983 has never received the MMR injection which does protect against mumps, so that would be the 20+ age group.

"Also, for the slightly younger ones, individual families might not have taken it up."

Mumps causes flu-like symptoms and swelling of the glands, but occasionally can lead to more serious problems.