University students are in a vulnerable age group

But the university thinks the outbreak is under control, with the number of reported infections tailing off.

It is thought mumps is spreading across universities throughout the country, because students were born too early for the MMR vaccine programme.

Officials at Exeter say they have organised three large-scale vaccinations and are working closely with the NHS.

The university has also put information on its website and is continuing to monitor the situation.

Stuart Franklin from the university said: "We had a about three cases over the weekend and another three yesterday [Monday].

"But we're seeing cases tailing off and we're hoping it'll be the end of it."