U.S. officials are investigating whether a recent E. coli outbreak sickening 58 people, hospitalizing five and killing one is linked to tainted romaine lettuce.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people in 13 states have experienced symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, severe stomach cramps and slight fever.

While people infected with E. coli are likely to experience extreme discomfort, the symptoms can be life threatening for small children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Resulting from the spread of animal or human feces in the field, irrigation or washing water, or when persons handling food don't wash their hands, experts believe that thoroughly washing greens is one step to preventing the spread of E. coli. However, experts also warn that E. coli can still hide out in the nooks and crannies of the leaves.